Psalms 84:6

[Who] passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools.

Who passing {H5674}{H8802)} through the valley {H6010} of Baca {H1056}{H8676)}{H1057} make {H7896}{H8799)} it a well {H4599}; the rain {H4175} also filleth {H5844}{H8799)} the pools {H1293}.

Passing through the [dry] Baka Valley, they make it a place of springs, and the early rain clothes it with blessings.

As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; even the autumn rain covers it with pools.

Passing through the valley of Weeping they make it a place of springs; Yea, the early rain covereth it with blessings.

Commentary

Psalm 84:6 paints a vivid picture of transformation and divine provision during a spiritual journey. It describes pilgrims who, despite traversing a desolate and challenging path, find refreshment and blessing through their faith and God's intervention.

Context

This verse is part of Psalm 84, a beloved "Psalm of Ascent," traditionally sung by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem for the annual festivals. The psalm expresses a deep longing for God's presence in His temple. Verse 5 speaks of those "whose strength is in thee," indicating that the journey and the transformation described in verse 6 are possible because their reliance is on the Lord. The passage emphasizes the blessedness of those who are devoted to God, even when their path is arduous.

Key Themes

  • Transformation in Adversity: The "valley of Baca" represents a place of dryness, sorrow, or hardship. Yet, the pilgrims do not merely endure it; they actively "make it a well." This highlights the power of faith and perseverance to transform difficult circumstances into sources of spiritual nourishment.
  • Divine Provision: The phrase "the rain also filleth the pools" underscores God's active role in providing refreshment. Even when human effort is expended to create wells, it is ultimately God who sends the life-giving rain. This signifies that God's grace and blessings accompany believers through their trials, turning barrenness into abundance.
  • The Spiritual Journey: The imagery of a pilgrimage through a challenging landscape serves as a powerful metaphor for the Christian walk. It suggests that the path to spiritual growth and closer communion with God often involves seasons of difficulty, but these can become opportunities for deeper faith and experience of God's faithfulness.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Baca" (ื‘ึธึผื›ึธื, bฤแธตฤโ€™) is significant. It can be translated as "weeping" or refer to a specific tree, the "balsam tree" (also known as the Baka tree or mulberry tree), which is known to "weep" sap. Regardless of the exact botanical reference, the name strongly evokes a sense of dryness, sorrow, or barrenness. Thus, passing through the "valley of Baca" means navigating a literal or metaphorical "valley of tears" or a desolate place. The contrast between this barren valley and the wells and pools that emerge emphasizes the miraculous nature of God's provision and the pilgrims' faith.

Related Scriptures

The concept of strength found in God during life's journey is echoed in Psalm 84:5. God's ability to provide sustenance in the wilderness, making rivers in the desert, is also promised in passages like Isaiah 43:19. This transformation from weeping to joy through divine intervention is a recurring biblical theme, as seen in Psalm 30:5.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalm 84:6 offers profound encouragement. It reminds us that our spiritual journey will inevitably include "valleys of Baca"โ€”periods of sorrow, struggle, or spiritual dryness. However, rather than succumbing to despair, we are called to approach these challenges with faith, actively seeking God's presence and provision. When we rely on Him, even the most desolate circumstances can be transformed into places of refreshment and growth. God promises to meet us in these valleys, sending His "rain" of grace, comfort, and strength, filling our "pools" with renewed hope and spiritual vitality. This verse encourages perseverance, trust in God's unfailing care, and the belief that even our tears can water the ground for future blessing.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 4:17

    For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory;

  • John 16:33

    These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

  • Joel 2:23

    Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first [month].

  • Romans 5:3

    And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

  • Romans 5:5

    And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

  • Revelation 7:14

    And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

  • Romans 8:37

    Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
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