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Day 247

Psalm 84:6a "The Valley of Baca..."

Day 247 – Psalm 84

“The Valley of Baca…” Psalm 84:6a

THE CHALLENGE OF GOING ON A PILGRIMAGE SUCCESSFULLY

Many were the challenges that the faithful pilgrim must face and overcome if he is to succeed in his endeavor to fulfill God’s commandments. The following text gives us an indication of the challenges faced by the ancient pilgrims. (We must remember that in the ancient days modern transportation modes were non-existent).

“As they pass through the Valley of Baca,
They make it a spring;
The rain also covers it with pools.”
Psalm 84:6

1. “The Valley of Baca”

a) It is not a reference to a geographical terrain.
b) It is a symbolic reference.
c) The word “Baca” means “tears”.
d) The Valley of Baca may thus be translated “The Valley of Tears”.
e) For many pilgrims the hardships faced would bring tears to the eyes.

2. “They make it a spring”

a) One of the challenges was to find sufficient water supply.
b) Some pilgrims lived far away from Jerusalem and they would not be able to have a large enough supply of water to last the whole journey through.
c) They will have to find springs of water.
d) They will have to bring their spades along as they made their journey to Jerusalem.
e) But the faithful blessed with strength from the Lord are undeterred.
f) If they lacked water they will find springs (they will dig wells; the work is very arduous).

3. “The rain also covers it with pools”

a) God’s blessing on the faithful pilgrims was to give them rain.
b) The abundance of rain would result in “pools” of life-giving water.