Psalms 84:6
Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools.
Original Language Analysis
עֹבְרֵ֤י׀
Who passing
H5674
עֹבְרֵ֤י׀
Who passing
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
1 of 9
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
מַעְיָ֣ן
it a well
H4599
מַעְיָ֣ן
it a well
Strong's:
H4599
Word #:
4 of 9
a fountain (also collectively), figuratively, a source (of satisfaction)
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
Cross References
2 Corinthians 4:17For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;John 16:33These 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 2:23Be 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.Revelation 7:14And 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 8:37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.Psalms 68:9Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, whereby thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary.Acts 14:22Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
Historical Context
Pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem from northern regions would traverse the arid Judean wilderness, a journey requiring multiple days through difficult terrain. The 'valley of Baca' may refer to a specific location or represent any difficult passage. Ancient pilgrimage involved hardship—heat, thirst, danger—yet worshipers transformed trials into testimony of God's faithfulness. The imagery of making wells recalls patriarchal narratives where Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob dug wells, marking God's provision (Genesis 21:30, 26:18-22).
Questions for Reflection
- What 'valleys of weeping' in your life might God be transforming into wells of blessing for others?
- How does this verse inform Christian perspective on suffering—can hardship become a source of life and refreshment?
- In what ways do you see the principle of human effort (making wells) and divine blessing (rain) working together in spiritual growth?
Analysis & Commentary
Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. This enigmatic verse depicts pilgrims transforming barren terrain through faith and divine blessing. "Valley of Baca" (עֵמֶק הַבָּכָא/emek habaka) can mean "valley of weeping" or "valley of balsam trees." Either reading yields profound meaning: a place of sorrow transformed, or a dry valley made fruitful.
"Make it a well" (מַעְיָן יְשִׁיתוּהוּ/ma'yan yeshituhu) describes pilgrims creating water sources in waterless places. This isn't mere physical effort but spiritual transformation. Those journeying to God's house bring blessing even to difficult paths. Their faith transforms barrenness into fertility, tears into springs.
"The rain also filleth the pools" (גַּם־בְּרָכוֹת יַעְטֶה מוֹרֶה/gam-berachot ya'teh moreh) suggests divine cooperation with human faith. Moreh can mean early rain or teacher. God's blessing (rain) meets the pilgrim's effort (digging wells), filling pools in the desert. This anticipates Isaiah 35:6-7, where desert blossoms and water breaks forth for redeemed pilgrims, and ultimately the living water Christ offers (John 4:14, 7:38).