 |  |
the blessed parallel of those experiences symbolized by the valley of Achor and its door
of hope, or the valley of Baca, and its well of water. Let us once again remind ourselves
of the one essential all covering factor:
"Thou art with me."
No.4.
The Valley of Vision.
pp. 235 -237
If we approach the subject from the standpoint of the flesh, then the valley of the
shadow must be the last place wherein to expect illumination, but if the valley of the
shadow should be a spiritual experience, there is hope that the very darkness will be
blessed to illuminate both our own need and the Lord's provision. It may become in
grace "The Valley of Vision". This term is borrowed from the prophecy of Isaiah, and
for its place in that prophecy and its primary meaning, the reader is referred to the series
entitled "Fundamentals of Dispensational Truth" in which the book of Isaiah is given an
exposition. As we have stated before, following the example set by the usage of the
Valley of Achor, we are taking a little liberty with the text in this short series, using these
different passages as a means to an end, namely to minister comfort to those of our
readers who may be passing through periods of trial.
The word used by Isaiah to describe this valley of "Vision" is almost identical with his
use in Isa. 1: 1:
"The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw."
Sometimes there comes into the spiritual experience of the people of God a period that
may be likened to the days of Eli, when:
"The word of the Lord was precious (perhaps because of its rarity) . . . . .
there was no open vision" (I Sam. 3: 1).
It may be that one has accepted the blessings of the Lord, without due consideration of
their grace: it may be that it becomes necessary that we should be obliged to pass
through the valley of the shadow, that in the darkness the eyes of our heart may see.
Something of this spirit is expressed in the words of the Psalmist when he said:
"Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now I have kept Thy word."
"It is good for me that I have been afflicted: that I might learn Thy Statutes"
(Psa. 119: 67, 71).
"Where there is no vision", said the wise man, "the people perish" (Prov. 29: 18).
One very important lesson was learned by the prophet Habakkuk. He entered the
valley of the shadow, but in it he learned a most valuable lesson concerning `vision'. In
chapter 1: we find Habakkuk in the valley of the shadow.
"O Lord, how long shall I cry, and Thou wilt not hear? even cry out unto Thee of
violence, and Thou wilt not save?" (Hab. 1: 2).