Psalm 84: 6-8, 12-13 (One New Man Bible)
6 Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, in whose heart are Your Ways. 7 Passing through the Valley of Baca they make wells: the rain covers it with blessings. 8 They go from strength to strength, each one in Zion appears before God.
12 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory! No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
13 LORD of Hosts, blessed is the man who trusts in You.
The Valley of Baca is mentioned in the Bible once, in Psalm 84. Baca is usually translated as “weeping”.
“Passing through the Valley of Weeping, they make it a place of springs. Yes, the autumn rain covers it with blessings.” Psalm 84: 6 World English Bible
The Hebrew word baca is related to bakah which means “to weep.” Baca are balsam trees that grow in very dry areas (so, the desert.) The balsam trees of the Bible are a type of weeping tree that drips resin or gum-like tears, such as a balsam, mulberry, or aspen tree.
Is the Valley of Baca a real place?
This valley was most likely located near Jerusalem. (Check out 2 Samuel 5:18-23 and Joshua 7:24 for a couple of scriptural clues.) When this psalm was written, pilgrims would travel through this desert valley on their way to Jerusalem.
I can picture these faithful travelers as they make their way to the Temple in Jerusalem. Weary from several days of travel. Dust covered feet aching and sore. Little ones, whining. Animals panting. They won’t last much farther without rest and water. A bend in the road reveals the entrance of the valley. There, in the shade of a clump of sap dripping trees, is a deep indentation in the ground. Filled with rainwater. With cries of relief, they scoop the water into parched mouths and fill the empty water jugs. While the rest of the group rests, one man digs another hole. He leaves a well; a blessing for those who follow behind.
Is this valley allegorical?
I can identify with a rocky, dusty valley where even the trees drip tears, and their branches droop under the weight of circumstances. I’ve wandered some desert-like situations recently; illness, death of loved ones, financial difficulties, and choices of others that have caused deep sorrow. But I know I’m not the only one who has gone through hard times.
The psalmist paints a beautiful picture here of how to triumph over adversity. Run to God for help. Trust Him to shield us, to provide for us, to do what His Word promises. Followers of God’s Way are not knocked down by difficult circumstances. At least, not for long. Each time God answers our cries for help, our hand grips the Sword of Faith a little tighter, we stand a little taller in our Messiah-bestowed armor. The example of unshaken faith also leaves a well for those who follow behind.
With this Psalm as our guide, we see the way to go from strength to strength. As a follower of Jesus, I must walk step-by-step with Him. Only with my arm linked to His, and my mind steadfastly focused on His Word, will I be able to persevere.
How does this apply to me, in my life, right now?
God won’t withhold good things from those who love Him. Blessed is the one who trusts in God. I’m going to grab hold of these verses and claim them as my own personal promise. God is my protector. God is faithful to see me through to the end of my journey. I find grace in His presence, pools of refreshment and springs of blessing.
That valley that you’re walking through? Don’t give up hope. It doesn’t last forever. Drink deeply from those wells. Take courage from those who were there before you. You’re on the right road.
The Valley of Baca leads us to springs of blessing – but most beautiful of all – with Messiah as our guide, we find ourselves in the presence of God, where our temporary sorrows melt away in the vastness of His never-ending love.