“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death” (vs. 4).
The path of righteousness leads through the valley of the shadow of death. “Valley” speaks of a low place, where we learn to look above the ominous, surrounding mountains unto the Lord for everything (Psa. 1213Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together: (Psalm 122:3)). The “shadow” of death is that exposure to death which is the ultimate, needed trial for the flesh. “For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh” (2 Cor. 4:1111For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. (2 Corinthians 4:11)).
The flesh in us intrudes into the Lord’s things when we are not even aware of it. He righteously deals with its intrusion and triumphs over it, working blessings through His dealings. “I die daily,” says the Apostle Paul as he stood in jeopardy every hour, but he was encouraged by the blessings that the Lord wrought through his sufferings even the Corinthian believers (1 Cor. 15:3131I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. (1 Corinthians 15:31)).
“I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me” (vs. 4).
Walking with Him in the valley we have no fear. “Thou art with me” is the sustaining comfort for our poor hearts. Before, we have spoken of Him (“The Lord is my shepherd”), but here we need to speak to Him (“Thou art with me”). Personal communion with Himself is the only thing that supports the heart in the valley of the shadow of death. It is for this that He leads us there, so that He can be everything to us and we can enjoy Him as He is enjoying us. Here we do not read of deliverance from the valley but of sustenance in it from Him who comforts us in all our tribulations.
“Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me” (vs. 4).
Thy rod: discipline. Thy staff: help, encouragement. Both are a comfort. Both are a token of His personal attention to each of His own. Satan wanted to try all of the disciples, but the Lord Jesus only granted him Peter (Luke 22:31-3231And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. (Luke 22:31‑32)), and He prayed that Peter’s faith would not fail even before it began.
W. Warr