Topical Encyclopedia The term "Shadow of Death" is a profound biblical metaphor that appears primarily in the Old Testament, conveying a sense of deep darkness, peril, and the presence of death. It is often used to describe situations of extreme danger, distress, or the threat of death, and it underscores the human experience of fear and vulnerability in the face of mortality. The Hebrew term "tsalmaveth" is typically translated as "shadow of death" and is found in several key passages.Biblical References: 1. Psalm 23:4: One of the most well-known uses of the term is found in Psalm 23, a psalm of David, which provides comfort and assurance of God's presence even in the darkest times. "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" . Here, the "shadow of death" symbolizes the darkest and most threatening experiences in life, yet the psalmist expresses confidence in God's protection and guidance. 2. Job 10:21-22: In the book of Job, the "shadow of death" is used to describe the realm of the dead, a place of darkness and disorder. Job laments, "before I go—never to return—to a land of darkness and gloom, to a land of utter darkness, of deep shadow and disorder, where even the light is like darkness" . This passage reflects Job's profound despair and the overwhelming sense of hopelessness he feels. 3. Isaiah 9:2: The prophet Isaiah speaks of a great light shining upon those living in the "land of the shadow of death." "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned" . This prophecy is often interpreted as a messianic promise, foretelling the coming of Christ, who brings light and salvation to a world shrouded in spiritual darkness. 4. Jeremiah 13:16: The prophet Jeremiah warns of impending judgment and calls for repentance, using the imagery of the "shadow of death" to describe the consequences of turning away from God. "Give glory to the LORD your God before He brings darkness, before your feet stumble on the dark mountains. You hope for light, but He will turn it to utter darkness and change it to deep gloom" . This serves as a stark reminder of the spiritual peril that accompanies disobedience. Theological Significance: The "shadow of death" serves as a powerful reminder of the transient and fragile nature of human life. It highlights the reality of suffering and the inevitability of death, while also pointing to the hope and assurance found in God's presence. For believers, the imagery of the "shadow of death" is not merely a depiction of despair but also a testament to divine comfort and deliverance. The presence of God transforms the darkest valleys into pathways of faith and trust. In the New Testament, the concept of overcoming the "shadow of death" is fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Christ conquers death and offers eternal life to all who believe in Him. This victory over death is a central tenet of Christian faith, providing believers with the assurance that even in the face of death, they are secure in the promise of eternal life with God. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Shadow of DeathSHADOW OF DEATH (tsalmaweth): The Hebrew word translated "shadow of death" is used poetically for thick darkness (Job 3:5), as descriptive of Sheol (Job 10:21; Job 12:22; Job 38:17); figuratively of deep distress (Job 12:22; Job 16:16; Job 24:17; Job 28:3; Job 34:22 (in the last three passages the American Standard Revised Version has "thick darkness" and "thick gloom"); Psalm 23:4, the Revised Version margin "deep darkness (and so elsewhere)"; 44:19:00; 107:10, 14; Isaiah 9:2 Jeremiah 2:6; Jeremiah 13:16 Amos 5:8 Matthew 4:16 Luke 1:79, skia thanatou). The Hebrew word is perhaps composed of tsel, "shadow," and maweth, "death," and the idea of "the valley of the shadow of death" was most probably derived from the deep ravines, darkened by over-hanging briars, etc., through which the shepherd had sometimes to lead or drive his sheep to new and better pastures. Strong's Hebrew 6757. tsalmaveth -- death-like shadow, deep shadow... death-like shadow, deep shadow NASB Word Usage black gloom (1), dark (1), deep darkness (6), deep shadow (4), shadow of death (4), thick darkness (2). ... /hebrew/6757.htm - 6k Library The Shadow of Death The Valley of the Shadow of Death. --Psalm xxiii. 4 The Valley of the Shadow of Death. Yea, Though I Walk in the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I Will ... "Yea, Though I Walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I ... The Dayspring from on High Of the Great Difference Between the Brightness of the Saints and ... It is with no Loss or Disparagement Therefore of his Divine Nature ... The Kingdom and the King Psalm XXIII. Resources What is Jungian analytic psychology, and is it biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the peace of God, and how can I experience it? | GotQuestions.org Who was Moses in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Shadow: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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