Psalm 23:4 Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for you are with me… Preparation for death is two fold — of state and of susceptibility. We may be prepared in state, as David was when he cried, "Oh, spare me that I may recover strength before I go hence and be no more seen," but he was not prepared in feeling. But here in our text he is prepared in both ways. "I will fear no evil"; his experience was ripe for death, and he could anticipate the event with confidence. The Psalmist looked upon the Shepherd in this place as the Master of death, and so "feared no evil." I. TO SOME THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH IS A PLACE OF DANGER AND ALARM. That one could say he feared no evil is no proof that there is no evil for others. For the ungodly there is. For — 1. He must feel "the sting of death," which "is sin." That removed, death is no more dangerous than a serpent whose sting is withdrawn. 2. Then, too, conscience will be roused, and there will be no means to pacify it. Conscience cannot sleep then, though they have dozed and slumbered undisturbed by the thunders of Sinai, and the noise of death cutting down some old barren fig tree in their neighbourhood. 3. Then, too, Mercy will depart forever. She outstays all others, but now even Mercy says, Good-bye forever. Thou didst never see a morning when I did not meet thee with my arms full of kindnesses toward thee. Thou art now going where I have not been and whither I shall never come — Good-bye! And the hope of man is lost! 3. There also must he meet the wrath of God without a hiding place. It had been declared many times that it was approaching; but there was no way of escape. But now it is too late to turn back. God's wrath must now be faced. The terrors of God array themselves against the ungodly men. II. THE GODLY MAN'S CONFIDENCE IN THE FACE OF DEATH. "I will fear," etc. Yet how terrible the description of death. 1. A valley — a deep and dismal place. Some live their lives in the hilltops of prosperity, others in the vales of adversity and sorrow, but this valley lies lower than these. Yet the godly man fears not. 2. A dark valley — a valley of shadow, "the shadow of death where the light is as darkness." 3. A dreadful valley — for it belongs to death. This is its home, here its court and throne. Some have fainted at the sight of some of its subjects; what of the King Himself? But here is one going down into its domains. It is probable that he will run silently through, and as swiftly as he possibly can, until he is nearly breathless. No. He intends walking slowly through, as if resolved to view it well, the only time he shall go that way. Probably he intends crossing it in the narrowest place. No. He speaks of walking the whole length of the valley. Is he afraid he may fail and faint half way? No. He confidently trusts that he will reach the farther end. III. THE GROUNDS OF HIS CONFIDENCE. God's presence. "Thou art with me." No one is so timid as a godly man without God. He will go nowhere without Him. But with Him he will go anywhere. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. (David Roberts, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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