Musings from Israel, part seven

The Valley of the Shadow of Death

Before we arrived in Jerusalem, our bus pulled over to the side of a hill, and Yoni led us up the hill for a view of this vast, bleak valley. It seems as if nothing could live in this cruel, punishing landscape. But this place is rich in Biblical history. This is the wilderness of David. This is where Elijah was fed by ravens. The Good Samaritan story featured this area. Jesus' temptation likely took place here as well. It was wilderness thousands of years ago, and wilderness it remains, a stunning visual of deprivation and hopelessness.

And yet, the prophet Hosea called this the "Door of Hope" in Hosea 2:15. "I will give her her vineyards from there. And the Valley of Achor as a door of hope; she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, as in the day when she came up from the land of Egypt." When the Israelites came up from Egypt, they were promised a land "flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8). And the land delivers on that promise, in many areas. But this valley hardly seems to offer any promise of milk and honey, so why would IT be called the door of hope? It looks so hopeless!

According to Yoni, the answer is found in Isaiah 45. I won't type it all out here, but within that chapter, repeated over and over, are the words, "I am the Lord, and there is no other."

"I am the Lord, and there is no other."

"I am the Lord, and there is no other."

This valley is called "the door of hope," not for what the land contains, but for WHO made the promise. The valley of the shadow of death need not inspire fear, when we know Who is with us.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still waters.

He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

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.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil;

My cup runs over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;

And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.