Solid, opaque things cast shadows. Our presence is not confined to the solid and defined outline of our body. Our presence spreads out, casting a shadow and providing shade.
That’s the phenomenological basis behind the Bible’s use of shade/shadow imagery. Shadows symbolize protection. Lot invites the angels to enter the “shadow” of his house (Gen 19:8), we come under the shadow of the Lord’s wings, kings are trees or rocks in whose shadow people find refreshment (ironically in Judges 9:15), and so are lovers (Song of Songs 2:3) and so is money (Ecclesiastes 7:12). Our shadows pass away; paradoxically, like a shadow at sundown, our presence lengthens and reaches its fullest extent just before it goes out entirely (cf. Psalm 109:23). Shadows and shade thus also become symbolic of the brevity of life. Only Yahweh’s shade is permanent.
