Valleys: Part 1

Below is but a small measure of revelation that my father had received from the Lord. I hope this will be a blessing to you. All that is written below are the words of my father.

April 28, 2022

In loving memory of my father
Robert Louis (Bob) Padgett
July 28, 1931-May 22, 2023

A valley, in the natural realm, is a low area between hills or mountains, often with a river running through it. A valley can also mean a low point or interval in any process or situation; for example, any place, period, or situation that is filled with fear, gloom, foreboding, or the like, such as the valley of despair.

About 30 different valleys are mentioned by name in the Bible. Each one of those named valleys undoubtedly has significance. Moreover, about 10 more valleys with no names are mentioned, such as the valley of salt, the valley of decision, and the valley of the giants, where spiritual warfare occurs. In this message it seemed good to start by focusing on the Maker of all true valleys ... the Lord Jesus Himself, who is the Bridegroom, and His relationship with the Bride of Christ. We could say that the sub-title of this message is "The Lily of the Valleys." In our next two messages, I hope to share with you some of the spiritual significance of several of the different valleys, such as the valley of vision, the valley of decision, the valley of Baca, and the valley of Achor.

Men like to dwell in valleys. Lot, for example, chose the well-watered plain of Jordan (Genesis 13:10). The word, plain, means a wide level valley between mountains. In addition, 80 per cent of people in the United States live within 60 miles of the coast, for example, New York, Los Angeles, San Diego, Portland, Oregon, Seattle, Boston, Philadelphia, Miami, Jacksonville, FL., and New Orleans. In general, a valley refers to a place which may look nice to the natural eye, but not the place where the Lord desires us to remain forever.

The first occurrence in the Bible of a valley is in Genesis 11:2-4. 

"And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth."

Those three verses are worth a complete message all by themselves. The word "plain" in verse 2 means a valley. Verse 3 speaks of substitutes ... brick for stone and slime for morter. The modern-day church still substitutes things in the natural realm that are intended to be in the spiritual realm, such as the traditions of men and idols of gold and silver. Moreover, burning the brick instead of letting the sun dry them shows a lack of patience. Verse 4 indicates their desire to reach heaven through their own works, which of course the Lord would never allow ... the work of man instead of the work of God. "Let us make us a name" also indicates pride in self. Finally, the desire to stay together has never changed. It is reflected today by the so-called ecumenical movement.

Every human being is born in a spiritual valley. Instead of dwelling in valleys, the Lord desires His people to climb the highest mountain. That highest mountain is the kingdom of God; it is spiritual Zion, the place where God dwells. Mountains in Scripture refer to kingdoms. A number of significant events happened in mountains. The giving of the law at Mount Horeb (or Sinai); the ark after the flood came to rest on the mountains of Ararat; the slaying of the prophets of Baal by Elijah at Mount Carmel; the Mount of Olives, where Jesus frequently prayed; the mountain where Abraham was ready to sacrifice his only son, Isaac; the mountain where Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James, and John; and the mountain where Jesus gave His first great teaching as recorded in Matthew, Chapters 5-7.

Isaiah 40:9, "O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!"

Note that both Zion and Jerusalem bring good tidings. Note also that Jerusalem speaks but Zion is exhorted to get up into the high mountain. The spiritual path of maturity or progression in the life of a believer is intended to be from Israel to Judah to Jerusalem to Zion, which is "the" high mountain spoken of in Isaiah 40:9. The use of "the" makes something unique. There is none like our God! Zion represents the place where we are simply to "be" ... Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Psalm 76:1-2, "To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm or Song of Asaph. In Judah is God known: His name is great in Israel. In Salem also is His tabernacle, and His dwelling place in Zion. "

Neginoth means an "instrument of ten strings." That is you and me and every true believer. The Chief Musician is the Lord Jesus Christ. He is our Conductor. As stated before, we should begin our sharing of valleys by focusing on the Person of the Lord, who is the Lily of the valleys. We will concentrate this first message on a few thoughts from the Song of Solomon, followed by some thoughts from Hosea, Chapter 14. No doubt, many books and commentaries have been written about the Song of Solomon. Many different interpretations of the book also have been set forth. The title in the Hebrew text is "Solomon's Song of Songs," which means the greatest of songs. Deuteronomy 10:17 says, 

"For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:" 

By the same token, from 1 Timothy 6:15, He is "King of kings."

The vast majority of saints over the years agree that the book titled, "Song of Solomon," is an allegory of the love relationship between God and Israel, or between Christ and the bride of Christ, or between Christ and the Church, or between Christ and the souls of men. To reduce the essence of this book to a natural love affair between a Shulammite maiden and a male suitor, perhaps Solomon, himself, would be very tragic. I believe it is very safe to say that the young Shulammite maiden is a type of a Christian in her journey of love toward becoming part of the bride of Christ.

Now let us turn to the Song of Solomon 2:1-2.

1 I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.

Two diametrically opposite interpretations of this verse have existed for many years. Some ministers and Bible scholars believe that the maiden is speaking here and represents the bride of Christ. For the bride of Christ to say "I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys" sounds very much like a boast, but love does not boast. In my lifetime I have heard some say they are a prophet; others call themselves Reverend Doctor so-and-so. If we need to tell others our title or what our ministry is, or all that have been saved under MY ministry, that hints strongly of pride or perhaps of a lack of humility.

Further, Jesus is the only One who has the right to say, "I AM the ..." Paul, in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, said, 

"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing." 

Those three verses help to explain what Jesus said in Matthew 7:21-23, 

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

Therefore, the rose of Sharon and the lily of the valleys both refer to the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ, Himself. To repeat, the word, "the," makes something or someone unique. The Hebrew word, sharon, means "a plain or a level place." The rose of Sharon grows in dry, unfavorable conditions. Its root system, like that of the lily, is quite shallow. This verse is saying that Jesus is Lord of all newly apprehended Christians. Other metaphors affirm that Jesus is Lord not only of every valley but of every mountain and everything at every level. Jesus is Lord of lords and King of kings.

Now, concerning the lily of the valleys, the Lord Jesus is the Lily of every valley. Jesus is totally perfect in His nature and personality. Jesus is perfect love just as the rose is the most perfect of all flowers in its looks, beauty and smell. A man usually does not consider giving his wife some daisies on her birthday; instead, he gives her the best roses that he can find. Jesus wants all of us to realize how special His love is for us. He wants more than anything else to be able to enter into a personal love relationship with each one of us.

Now let us consider Matthew 6:28-29. 

28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

A lily is a very noble plant that grows to a considerable height. The lily multiplies exceedingly, but has a weak root and soon fades. The church is weak in herself, but is strong in Christ who supports her. The wicked, the daughters of this world, who have more self-love than love for Christ, are as thorns, hurtful and useless. But the lilies now among thorns shall be transplanted into that paradise where there is no brier or thorn. Verse 28 speaks of lilies, plural. A "lily" represents the beauty and purity of the soul in Christ by grace. Lilies, with their dazzling whiteness, represent souls in which Christ takes delight. The root of the lily lies buried in the earth a long time, when it seems as if it were dead; but suddenly it springs out of the earth, grows to a great height, and becomes very flourishing; which is not because of itself because it "toils not." Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. The bride of Christ is clothed with fine linen, clean and white, the white raiment of Christ's righteousness, and have their garments washed and made white in His blood. God's elect at natural birth are dead, but being quickened by the grace of God, spring up suddenly and grow very fast, which is not because of themselves, but because of the dew of divine grace and the bright shining of the sun of righteousness upon them. Therefore, they grow up high into their Head, Christ Jesus, rise up in faith and hope to the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, and become fruitful in grace and in good works.

Song of Solomon 2:2. 

2 As the lily among thorns, so is My love among the daughters.

"As the lily among thorns." That brings to my mind John 1:11, "He came unto His own, and His own received Him not." Despite being rejected by those He came to save, He still has great love for them ... those whose thoughts and deeds were focused primarily on self. Again, "the lily" is the Lord Jesus. Lilies, plural, represent born-from-above believers. As lilies live in this world among thorns, so you and I must grow up in a sinful world. Thorns don't hurt each other. That's because they are so hard and don't feel the barbs of other thorns around them. But thorns can easily wound tender lilies. Sin will always hurt us.

Hosea 14:1-9 speaks of the will of God for His chosen people.

1 O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity.

That verse clearly speaks of repentance. The phrase, "O Israel, return unto the Lord" clearly is a message from the Lord to His church. "Return" means to come back to the sweet relationship you once had with the Lord. The church at Ephesus left their first love.

2 Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto Him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.

Verses 2 and 3 also speak of repentance on the part of God's chosen people. What are the calves of our lips? The word "calves" can be translated as "bullocks." The sacrifice was always to be a male animal as indicating strength and energy. Deuteronomy 6:5, and many more verses, says,

"And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." 

In Old Testament days, a bullock was the largest and most expensive animal used as a sacrifice. Therefore, "we render the calves of our lips" means the fulfillment of Hebrews 13:15, 

"By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name."

3 Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, Ye are our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy.

The name "Asshur" means a level plain. It was the first town in Assyria and represents worldliness. Horses speak of the strength and power of the natural man. This verse speaks of true repentance and the desire for mercy from the Lord.

4 I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.

5 I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon.

Verses 4 and 5 speak of the forgiveness and restoration of those who truly repent. "I will be as the dew unto Israel." The elect are those who have set their affections on things above and not on things on the earth. Unless we have renounced the mess of pottage and taken Christ to be our all, we have no well-founded hope, and we have no right to apply this promise to ourself, "I will be as the dew unto Israel." How can we lilies flourish, except we receive moisture from heaven, and the dew refreshes us that we may renew our strength? We become dry and destitute of all vigor when God withdraws His favor. Proverbs 19:12, "The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but His favour is as dew upon the grass."

He shall flourish as the lily, and he shall send forth his roots. A lily rises in one night, so sudden would be the change. But though they would be like lilies, they also would be like tall trees, which have deep roots in the ground, by which they remain firm and flourish for a long time. God will not have His people all flower and foliage. He wants us also to take deep root. We must be both growing up and growing down ... to be rooted in humility while growing up in zeal. After having grown up, the Christian "casts forth his roots as Lebanon;" that is, he gets smaller in his own esteem. That is called humility. To grow downward denotes stability. When we are first brought to God, we are like the lily, blown about by the wind; afterwards we grow downwards, and become firm. The prevailing lack of this age is not so much in respect to growing upwards as growing downwards.

We are rooted in Christ, from whom we have our life, our nourishment and fruitfulness. When we remain unmoved, by renewed acts of faith in Him, and are so strongly rooted and grounded, in Christ, then all the winds and storms of sin, Satan, and the world, cannot distract us. Paul speaks in Ephesians 3:17 of those who are "rooted and grounded in love." 

Psalm 72:6, "He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth."

The dew quickens and refreshes us ... descending, Himself, into the dried and parched hearts of men, as He says, "We will come unto him and make Our abode in him" John 14:23. The grace of God, like the dew, is not given once for all, but is renewed day by day. It does not pass away.

"The dew," which comes from heaven, is a great blessing of God, and is quickening, refreshing, and fruitful to the earth. The Lord is unto his people as the dew is to plants and trees of the earth; better than life itself; and is not only the cause of quickening dead sinners, but of reviving, and refreshing the drooping spirits of His people. It is abundant and never fails.

The Christian is like a plant which cannot be watered by any water that is to be found on earth, a plant which needs heavenly watering, even the dew from above. Grace, like the dew, often comes down imperceptibly into man's heart. When did the dew tell us that it was about to fall? Who ever heard the footsteps of the dew coming down upon the grass? We see it when it has fallen; but who saw it come? Likewise, Christianity is very often imperceptible in its operations. The work of grace in man's heart is like the "still small voice." Much that God does, He does in silence. Many beautiful flowers open in silence, and no man hears the sound thereof. If the dew is sometimes imperceptible, it is always sufficient. If God waters the earth with dew, a man would be foolish to go afterwards to apply even more water. God's grace, when it comes upon man's heart, is all-sufficient. God may, if He pleases, withhold the dew, that He may make a nation fear before Him, but He always sends the dew in its appointed time. As we need and want grace, so shall we find it.

From Verse 5, the cedar of Lebanon is the most enduring living thing that the ancient Hebrews knew. Growing to a height of 100 feet, the cedar of Lebanon is also the tallest tree in the region.This evergreen tree grows slowly but steadily. It takes longer to bear fruit than most trees, but the cedar of Lebanon will continue to bear fruit for centuries after other trees have decayed.

Psalm 92:12-14, "The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;" 

Lebanese cedars were used to construct the temple in Jerusalem. Like the cedar that was used to build the house of the Lord, we too can be planted in God's presence. This enables us to keep on growing, regardless of storms or trials that come our way.

No one image can exhibit the manifold grace of God in those who are His own. Each image supplies a distinct likeness of a distinct grace. The "cedar" of Lebanon is noted for its strength, deep-rootedness, and uprightness. The fragrance of the aromatic plants with which the lower parts of Mount Lebanon are decked are noted for their loveliness and sweetness.

Hosea 14:6, "His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree, and his smell as Lebanon."

The wide-spreading branches are a representation of the gradual growth and enlargement of each member of the Church. We have been a lily straight up, with no branches at all, but now our roots have struck deep into the ground, like the cedars of Lebanon. The next thing we do is to send forth branches. The little lily, which was at first a tiny plant, now grows into a tree, and his branches spread. No man can have grace in his heart and keep it a secret. "Thy speech betrayeth thee," said the maid to Peter. Our speech will betray us, if we are disciples.

Some believers are so self-absorbed that it is enough for them just to go to heaven. But true Christianity will be expansive and caring for others. The more of Christ a man has, the more useful he will be in his day. If we look at all the ministers that have been useful, they were not distinguished by great talent so much as by great grace. Amos said, 

"I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit: And the LORD took me as I followed the flock, and the LORD said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel." 

God can bless a poor, unsophisticated country man to the salvation of hundreds if he has grace; but a learned man with many theological degrees may preach in vain if he has no grace.

The evergreen "olive tree" also speaks of the unvarying presence of Divine Grace, which continually supplies freshness and produces fruit. The olive tree is an evergreen and so is the beauty of a Christian. He has a beauty which does not fade away, as it does from other trees, but lives forever. We sometimes esteem one of our members more than others because of his wealth or his eloquence or his talents, but God ranks us all according to our fruitfulness. The most beautiful tree in a garden is the one that bears the most fruit. There is a promise given to a Christian that after his branches have spread, his beauty shall be as the olive tree; that is, he shall grow and be laden with fruit. 

"I am like a green olive tree in the house of God" Psalm 52:8.

The smell of Lebanon is the sweet and grateful smell the Lord smells in His people. The smell also means the report which will go out concerning a man. It is said that the flowers of the aromatic herbs in Lebanon cast up a most delicious perfume. Was a flower ever concerned about its odor or about what people would think of it? Did a rose ever have a law-suit with a thorn, because the thorn said the rose did not smell sweetly?

Back to Hosea 14:7. "They that dwell under His shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon." 

Let us consider each part of this verse. "They that dwell under His shadow shall return." The word, "return," could imply repentance. However, in this context I believe that refers to 

Ecclesiastes 12:7, "Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it."

Psalm 91:1, "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."

Acts 5:14-16, "And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one." 

The next phrase of Hosea, Verse 7, is "they shall revive as the corn." Would you believe that we could get almost a full message simply about the significance of corn? In the Bible, the word "corn" is used for grains in general, such as wheat, and is used symbolically to indicate spiritual goodness, abundance, and life. The word "corn" can also be translated as "increase." Many cultures regarded corn as a symbol of longevity, prosperity, and protection. With its many seeds, corn is also a symbol of fertility and rebirth. Jesus said, in John 12:24, 

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." 

That specific corn of wheat speaks of Jesus. Because of His ultimate sacrifice at Calvary, He brings forth much fruit, which is all born-from-above believers. If we think about that verse in John 12:24, how can anything that is dead bring forth fruit? because Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Whenever we Christians are dead to self, then the fruit of the Spirit will be made manifest in abundance. As food for thought, when a righteous man dies may he leave behind generations of Godly seeds to follow after the Lord.

Isaac prophesied over Jacob, in Genesis 27:28,

"Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine:"

We might recall that Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's two dreams, wherein God said there would be seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Therefore, Joseph stored up plenty of corn for the lean years that were to come. Corn seems to be the best staple to eat in the natural realm. Our staple in the spiritual realm is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. He is the bread of life.

Psalm 65:9-13.

9 Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, which is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it.

10 Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers: thou blessest the springing thereof.

11 Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness.

12 They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills rejoice on every side.

13 The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing.

How can we revive as corn? Simply removing the dead leaves from the plant will bring it back to life. After that, gradually reintroduce the plant to water. This allows it to become used to the concept of being watered once more. What an amazing God we serve! He has built resurrection life even into dead plants of corn.

The next phrase in Verse 7 of Hosea 14 is "[they shall] grow as the vine." Who is "they"? You and me and every born-from-above believer. Vines grow up by the side of walls or trees. They could not grow up themselves if there were not some prop against which they could lean for support. Grape vines must be propped up by trellises; otherwise, we could not make wine. Our Prop is the Lord Jesus. He holds us up and maintains us. The Lord also uses older, more mature Christians to help to prop up younger believers. Jesus is also the Vine. Jesus said, in John 15:5,

"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." 

In other words, Christ is our all in all.

The ivy that is twisted around a tree shields a tree from the blast and helps to keep him upright. The Christian man, by a godly conversation and behavior, spreads the sweetness of perfume wherever he goes. "Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another" not about one another. When we meet together, there is too little talk about Christ Jesus, the glory of His kingdom, and the greatness of His power. A true Christian will leave a scent behind him in his conversation; and when he is dead, there will still be a sweet savor left. We should so live, that our name in our private circles, if not elsewhere, may be mentioned with honor, and it may be said of us, "he was one who reflected his Master's image, and who sought to adorn the doctrine of God his Savior in all things."

The last phrase in Verse 7 is "the scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon." Lebanon wine country has been making extremely long-lasting world-class wine for generations. It is said of the wine of Lebanon, that if you pour some into a glass the flavor of it will remain for a long time after the wine is gone. Likewise, with the old Christian, he has got a savory conversation, He talks of the things of the kingdom, and leaves a perfume behind him which lasts for weeks afterwards and we say, "What a sweet savor there was about him!"

2 Corinthians 2:14, "Thanks be to God, which maketh manifest the savor of His knowledge by us in every place."

Back to Hosea, Chapter 14 and verse 8.


8 Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard Him, and observed Him: I am like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found.

9 Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.

Song of Solomon 6:2-3, "My beloved is gone down into His garden, to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies. I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine: He feedeth among the lilies."

Those verses speak of the second coming of Jesus. He will return to His garden to gather lilies. The lilies, once more, are all the Christians who have put their full trust in and obedience to the Lord. "He feedeth among the lilies." We are His inheritance and He desires to sup with us in His banqueting house. "He brought us to the banqueting house and His banner over us is love" (Song of Solomon 2:4). Jesus said, in John 4:32, "I have meat to eat that ye know not of." 1 Corinthians 2:9, "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him." Jesus said, in John 14:15, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." And in John 15:10, "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in His love."

Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen.