(4) The valley of the shadow of death . . .--This striking expression, to which the genius of Bunyan has given such reality, was probably on Hebrew lips nothing more than a forcible synonym for a dark, gloomy place. Indeed, the probability is that instead of tsal-maveth (shadow of death), should be read, tsalm-th (shadow, darkness), the general signification being all that is required in any one of the fifteen places where it occurs. It is true it is used of the "grave" or "underworld" (Job 10:21-22). But it is also used of the "darkness of a dungeon" (Psalm 107:10), of "the pathless desert" (Jeremiah 2:6); or, possibly, since it is there parallel with drought, of "the blinding darkness of a sandstorm," and metaphorically of "affliction" (Isaiah 9:2), and of the "dull heavy look" that grief wears (Job 16:16). Show By valley we must understand a deep ravine. Palestine abounds in wild and gloomy valleys, and shepherd life experiences the actual peril of them. Addison's paraphrase catches the true feeling of the original-- . . . Verse 4. - Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. A sudden transition and contrast, such as David loved. The quiet paths of righteousness and peace remind the poet of the exact opposite - the dark and dismal way through the valley of the shadow of death. Even when so situated, he does not, he will not, fear. I will fear no evil, he says. And why? For thou art with me. The same Protector, the same gracious and merciful God, will be still with him - leading him, guiding his steps, shepherding him, keeping him from evil. Thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff - i.e. thy shepherd's crook, and thy staff of defence - they comfort me. They make me feel that, however long and however dreary the way through the dark vale, I shall still have thy guidance and thy protection. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Jump to Previous Comfort Death Deep Evil Fear Rod Shade Shades Shadow Staff Support Valley Walk Jump to Next Comfort Death Deep Evil Fear Rod Shade Shades Shadow Staff Support Valley Walk Links Psalm 23:4 NIV What is the meaning of the song down in the valley?DESCRIPTION: "Down in the valley, valley so low, Hang your head over, hear the wind blow." The singer tells of his deep, unrequited love for (his/her) sweetheart. (He) bids farewell: "If you don't love me, love whom you please." (He says to write to Birmingham Jail.) AUTHOR: unknown.
Who wrote Gangsta's Paradise?Coolio freestyled the first couple of lines, with the rest of the lyrics coming to him quickly in one sitting. He would later claim that the song ultimately came from a source outside himself, saying: "'Gangsta's Paradise' wanted to be born; it wanted to come to life, and it chose me as the vessel."
When I walk through the valley of the shadow of death?Psalm 23:1–6
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
|