Psalm 84:6a

Psalm 84:6a

The Valley of Baka

The Valley of Baka is mentioned in the Bible only once, here in Psalm 84. Baca is rendered “weeping” in most translations. (The Hebrew word baca is related to bakah, which means “to weep.”) Baca refers to a type of “weeping” tree; that is, one that drips resin or gum-like tears, such as a balsam, mulberry, or aspen tree. In 2 Samuel 2:23 bakaim is translated as balsam trees. 

The Valley of Baka was probably a literal place located near Jerusalem, some suggest that the Valley of Rephaim is a possible identification. It was obviously a waterless place and had a dark foreboding about it, a place that pilgrims hurried through! Maybe this valley was in David’s mind when he wrote, “Even though I walk through the Valley of the shadow of darkness (better translation than 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. 

The psalmist uses the Valley of Baka symbolically to illustrate a difficult and sorrowful path in life. The name of the valley indicates a dry, arid region since this is where these types of weeping trees tend to grow. As people travelled to Jerusalem to worship, they would pass through this weary, “weeping” place, but their journey was worth it in the end. In the same way, those who experience sorrow in this life (and who doesn’t?) can find strength in their faith in God. With the Lord held in His rightful place, we will find that the Valley of Baka becomes a very different place. The journey of a faithful Christian through times of hardship is a step-by-step expedition from strength to strength.

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