2007-09-19 14:17:17 · 15 answers · asked by Nels 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Valley of the shadow of death is this life in this earth. If we're in death, we're dead. But we're in its shadow which is this life. In the conclusion of life, we'll all face God on judgment day and will be given eternal life or be cast into Hell upon the basis of righteousness. If we're in Christ, we have His righteouness. If we're not in Christ, then we have only our own self-righteouness to show for. Are you as holy as God to be with God cause heaven is where God is.?
2007-09-19 14:32:26 · answer #1 · answered by Sam L 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Between Jericho and Jerusalem is an old road that was excedingly dangerous to travel, that leads through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. David used it as a metaphore for the perils of life and the aloneness one may feel there. For example, the death of a loved one is strange that way, messing with the syncrinizing of head and heart (for lack of a better way to put it right now). The shock and numbness associated with the loss of a loved one often lasts for a couple of months, and leaves you wanting to "feel normal" but unable to get there somehow.
Paradoxically, however, the valley of the shadow of death is also a place where God's presence seems stronger, his grace more visable, and the prayers of friends are mysteriously felt. "Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me ..."
2007-09-19 14:30:31 · answer #2 · answered by thundercatt9 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I liken it to any circumstance that brings us to a spiritual low where we do not feel the presence of God, a point where life is dark and scary. It is but a "shadow" of the real spiritual death we would experience if we were separated from God for eternity (not going to heaven). We all experience these lows at some point, and it is important to remember the whole thing:
Psa 23:4 Yea, 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.
Even when we don't feel His presence, He is still there, continuing the journey with us, providing comfort
2007-09-19 14:27:26 · answer #3 · answered by prismcat38 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is an actual, ancient path in the Negev where travellers would walk it to reach Jerusalem. This trail was known for hosting robbers, & this particular section was known for being an easy spot to rob & plunder. The travellers would group together in caravans, as there is strength in numbers. This way, they could resist robbery better...but this particular valley was known as the Valley of the Shadow of Death, as so much plundering & death had happened here.
It is an actual, physical location in the Negev. I've been there.
2007-09-19 14:25:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Since I've been there, a few times, I guess I can explain it.
What the devil will give you is death and he's there 24/7 working it. When you find yourself down, depressed, broke, no hope......that's definitely the valley of the shadow of death.
Jesus provides the hope, He pulls you out and up. You are able to walk right through it, in total defiance of the devil.
2007-09-19 14:24:01 · answer #5 · answered by judysbookshop 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Aside from the above described geographical location, earth is the valley, almost no one has escaped permanently with out experiencing death.
2007-09-19 14:49:27 · answer #6 · answered by bobalo9 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Death casts a frightening shadow over us because we are entirely helpless in its presence. We can struggle with other enemies - pain, suffering, disease, injury - but strength and courage cannot overcome death. It has the final word. Only one person can walk with us through death's dark valley and bring us safely to the other side - the God of life, our shepherd. Because life is uncertain we should follow this shepherd who offers us eternal comfort.
2007-09-19 14:24:29 · answer #7 · answered by Freedom 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
There's a "valley" between Mt Sinai and Mt Sion.
(one such allegoric mtn is high, the other is higher)
You walk "through" it when going from Law to Grace.
The law is a "shadow"(dark version) of things to come.
The law is also the ministration of "death": surely die lie.
Our Father, deliver us from evil: Mt 6:13
We are delivered from the law: Rom 7:6
So fear no evil = fear no law(lie)
The point of it all is Grace is not OT Law nor NT Law.
The GRACE of our Lord Jesus Christ with you all. Amen.
2007-09-20 01:59:34 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think personally that it is the time that we go through that everything seems horrible, like we want to die. Just a shadow, not real death. But He always brings us out.
2007-09-19 14:22:45 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The cross ref. verse is Psalm 107:14 which tells more of the same in a new light. "He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains."
It's a time in our life when everything seems dark and at a lost. And He said I will send the light I will show the way.
2007-09-20 03:52:25 · answer #10 · answered by Healing_Rain 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋