Olney Hymns · Chapter
The Valley of the Shadow of Death explained
The speaker laments the intense spiritual assault they face, describing a host of enemies led by Apollyon that besiege their soul with lies and blasphemies.
What happens
The speaker laments the intense spiritual assault they face, describing a host of enemies led by Apollyon that besiege their soul with lies and blasphemies. They cry out to the Lord for deliverance, asking Him to heal their wounds and drive away the cruel host, so that the powers of darkness may not boast of victory.
Themes in this chapter
Spiritual Warfare
The entire poem depicts a battle against demonic forces, with the soul under attack by fiery arrows and lies.
Prayer and Dependence on God
The speaker cries out to the Lord for help, acknowledging their need for divine intervention to overcome the enemy.
Characters to notice
- The Narrator
The speaker expresses deep sorrow and spiritual distress, feeling besieged by foes and seeking divine intervention.
- The Lord
The Lord is addressed as the one who can see the enemies, heal wounds, and chase away the hostile forces.
- Satan
Referred to as 'fierce Apollyon', the leader of the foes opposing the speaker's pilgrimage.
Key passages
“My soul is sad and much dismay’d; See, Lord, what legions of my foes, With fierce Apollyon at their head, My heavenly pilgrimage oppose!”
My soul is deeply troubled and discouraged; Lord, look at the many enemies, led by fierce Apollyon, who are hindering my journey to heaven.
The speaker expresses distress and describes the opposition they face on their spiritual journey.
“Their fiery arrows reach the mark, My throbbing heart with anguish tear: Each lights upon a kindred spark, And finds abundant fuel there.”
Their flaming arrows hit their target, tearing my aching heart with pain; each one lands on a similar spark within me and finds plenty of fuel to burn.
The imagery of fiery arrows suggests the enemy's attacks find resonance in the speaker's own sinful nature.
“I hate the thought that wrongs the Lord; Ah! I would drive it from my breast, With thy own sharp two-edged sword, Far as the east is from the west.”
I detest the thought that dishonors the Lord; I wish I could banish it from my heart, using Your own sharp double-edged sword, sending it as far away as the east is from the west.
The speaker expresses a desire to reject blasphemous thoughts and uses the imagery of God's Word as a sword.