Valley of Deep Darkness

August 6th, 2025
by Lance Waldie

Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

In v. 4, David continues with the metaphor of sheep as humans, putting himself in the place of sheep by comparing the many dark ravines in Israel that shepherds led their sheep through in order to find green pastures to his own times of trial. These dark ravines were common hang-outs for predators. Among the rocky crags and dark corners wolves were commonly found seeking a stray sheep for dinner. David saw his own times of great trial—when God seems so far away, comparing them to those dark ravines. Though the passage has been traditionally interpreted as the “valley of the shadow of death,” a more accurate translation is “valley of deep darkness.” The Hebrew verbiage is most often associated with darkness and night in contrast to light or morning (cf. Job 3:5; Isa. 9:1; Jer. 13:16; Amos 5:8). In Job 10:21-22 this darkness is associated with death, but as Robert Chisolm has said, “This is a metaphorical application of the word and does not reflect its inherent meaning… At the metaphorical level, v. 4 pictures the shepherd taking his sheep through a dark ravine where predators might lurk. The life-threatening situations faced by the psalmist are the underlying reality behind the imagery.”

As David compared these dark ravines to dark times of his own life, he realized that his sheep had nothing to fear with him as their protector. Once again, he compared this to God as his own Shepherd. He says defiantly, “I will fear no evil.” The Hebrew word for “evil” is common, but metaphorically speaking, the word is better translated “danger; injury; harm.” David’s enemies, whoever they were, posed no danger to him as long as his own Shepherd cared for him. He felt safe because of Yahweh’s presence, saying, “for You are with me.” This was the nature of the shepherd’s task, for he was always with his sheep. His presence always comforted them.

David also felt the Good Shepherd’s protection because of his tools: “Your rod and Your staff.” This too is a comparison to David’s own shepherding weapons and tools. The rod was approximately two feet in length, and was used both as a defensive weapon to strike predators and for gently examining sheep. But shepherds also carried a staff that was hooked on one end, used for retrieving sheep who had fallen into spaces where the shepherd was unable to reach. Both the rod and the staff, along with the shepherd’s presence, comforted the sheep. For David, he saw his God as protecting him with His presence and looking out for his best interest. David must have felt powerful as an experienced shepherd over his flock of sheep, yet he knew that God was all the more powerful with His almighty protection. This “comforted” David.

Food for Thought
If you’re in “the valley of deep darkness” today, take heed; God is in control! The dark valley is one of danger, both spiritual and physical. Perhaps your current trial in life is causing you to fear? Maybe you’re angry? Or maybe bitterness and hatred are overwhelming you? Those who have leaned upon God in times of trial have testimonies of peace in the midst of their chaos, causing them to trust God as their Shepherd and Guide. These are the kinds of folks who emerge from that dark valley with a testimony of God’s grace that is worth hearing. Having embraced God’s promises, knowing that His reputation is at stake, their tried and tested faith is stronger as a result. But in order to get to that point, we have to fully trust our Good Shepherd, believing that the place where we are is given to us by God not to destroy us but to mold us. What is your valley of deep darkness? Rest assured that it is not too big for God. He is there, and He carries you through it to the other side where there is light and peace. The question is, are you faithful enough to lean upon Him and trust in His provision, allowing Him to carry you?