The Valley of the Shadow of Death

Even 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.

Psalm 23:4

I have been pondering the phrase "the valley of the shadow of death." What poetry! Why the "shadow" of death? Perhaps it is because when you are in the valley, the mountains (death?) block out the sun. Death is near, but has not reached you. Of course, you and I face the reality of death but have not experienced it. All of our conjectures, musings, and portrayals on the subject are but shadows. 

I am also intrigued by the next line which says, "I will fear no evil." Death is a result of evil, but is physical death in and of itself evil? Again, I see it as more of a consequence of evil. Perhaps, the Psalm is referring to the evil that seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). However, Satan cannot kill our spirits. All of the deaths that he causes are painful, but merely shadows compared to the death of our spirit.

Finally, I have always been comforted that we walk through the valley. (See previous post on a Ginny Owen's song referencing this topic.) We do not die there. The Lord comforts us with his rod and his staff. Did you catch that? Guiding and chastening tools bring comfort.