TRV
Translation
King James Version
And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou hast set my feet in a large room.
Complete Jewish Bible
You did not hand me over to the enemy; you set my feet where I can move freely.
American Standard Version
And thou hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy; Thou hast set my feet in a large place.
World English Bible Messianic
You have not shut me up into the hand of the enemy. You have set my feet in a large place.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And thou hast not shut me vp in the hand of the enemie, but hast set my feete at large.
Young's Literal Translation
And Thou hast not shut me up, Into the hand of an enemy, Thou hast caused my feet to stand in a broad place.
In the KJVVerse 14,340 of 31,102
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Commentary on Psalms 31 verses 1–8
1 ¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.
2 Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.
3 For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.
4 Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength.
5 Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.
6 I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the LORD.
7 I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;
8 And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou hast set my feet in a large room.
Faith and prayer must go together. He that believes, let his pray - I believe, therefore I have spoken: and he that prays, let him believe, for the prayer of faith is the prevailing prayer. We have both here.
I. David, in distress, is very earnest with God in prayer for succour and relief. This eases a burdened spirit, fetches in promised mercies, and wonderfully supports and comforts the soul in the expectation of them. He prays, 1. That God would deliver him (Psa 31:1), that his life might be preserved from the malice of his enemies, and that an end might be put to their persecutions of him, that God, not only in his mercy, but in righteousness, would deliver him, as a righteous Judge betwixt him and his unrighteous persecutors, that he would bow down his ear to his petitions, to his appeals, and deliver him, Psa 31:2. It is condescension in God to take cognizance of the case of the greatest and best of men; he humbles himself to do it. The psalmist prays also that he would deliver him speedily, lest, if the deliverance were long deferred, his faith should fail. 2. That if he did not immediately deliver him out of his troubles, yet he would protect and shelter him in his troubles; "Be thou my strong rock, immovable, impregnable, as a fastness framed by nature, and my house of defence, a fortress framed by art, and all to save me." Thus we may pray that God's providence would secure to us our lives and comforts, and that by his grace we may be enabled to think ourselves safe in him, Pro 18:10. 3. That his case having much in it of difficulty, both in respect of duty and in respect of prudence, he might be under the divine guidance: "Lord, lead me and guide me (Psa 31:3), so order my steps, so order my spirit, that I may never do any thing unlawful and unjustifiable - against my conscience, nor unwise and indiscreet - against my interest." Those that resolve to follow God's direction may in faith pray for it. 4. That his enemies being very crafty, as well as very spiteful, God would frustrate and baffle their designs against him (Psa 31:4): "Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me, and keep me from the sin, the trouble, the death, they aim to entrap me in."
II. In this prayer he gives glory to God by a repeated profession of his confidence in him and dependence on him. This encouraged his prayers and qualified him for the mercies he prayed for (Psa 31:1): "In thee, O Lord! do I put my trust, and not in myself, or any sufficiency of my own, or in any creature; let me never be ashamed, let me not be disappointed of any of that good which thou hast promised me and which therefore I have promised myself in thee." 1. He had chosen God for his protector, and God had, by his promise, undertaken to be so (Psa 31:3): "Thou art my rock and my fortress, by thy covenant with me and my believing consent to that covenant; therefore be my strong rock," Psa 31:2. Those that have in sincerity avouched the Lord for theirs may expect the benefit of his being so; for God's relations to us carry with them both name and thing. Thou art my strength, Psa 31:4. If God be our strength, we may hope that he will both put his strength in us and put forth his strength for us. 2. He gave up his soul in a special manner to him (Psa 31:5): Into thy hands I commit my spirit. (1.) If David here looks upon himself as a dying man, by these words he resigns his departing soul to God who gave it, and to whom, at death, the spirit returns. "Men can but kill the body, but I trust in God to redeem my soul from the power of the grave," Psa 49:15. He is willing to die if God will have it so; but let my soul fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercies are great. With these words our Lord Jesus yielded up the ghost upon the cross, and made his soul an offering, a free-will offering for sin, voluntarily laying down his life a ransom. By Stephen's example we are taught in, our dying moment, to eye Christ at God's right hand, and to commit our spirits to him: Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. But, 2. David is here to be looked upon as a man in distress and trouble. And, [1.] His great care is about his soul, his spirit, his better part. Note, Our outward afflictions should increase our concern for our souls. Many think that while they are perplexed about their worldly affairs, and Providence multiplies their cares about them, they may be excused if they neglect their souls; whereas the greater hazard our lives and secular interests lie at the more we are concerned to look to our souls, that, though the outward man perish, the inward man may suffer no damage (Co2 4:16), and that we may keep possession of our souls when we can keep possession of nothing else, Luk 21:19. [2.] He thinks the best he can do for the soul is to commit it into the hand of God, and lodge that great trust with him. He had prayed (Psa 31:4) to be plucked out of the net of outward trouble, but, as not insisting upon that (God's will be done), he immediately lets fall that petition, and commits the spirit, the inward man, into God's hand. "Lord, however it goes with me, as to my body, let it go well with my soul." Note, It is the wisdom and duty of every one of us solemnly to commit our spirits into the hands of God, to be sanctified by his grace, devoted to his honour, employed in his service, and fitted for his kingdom. That which encourages us to commit our spirits into the hand of God is that he has not only created, but redeemed, them; the particular redemptions of the Old Testament church and the Old Testament saints were typical of our redemption by Jesus Christ, Gen 48:16. The redemption of the soul is so precious that it must have ceased for ever if Christ had not undertaken it; but, by redeeming our souls, he has not only acquired an additional right and title to them, which obliges us to commit them to him as his own, but has shown the extraordinary kindness and concern he has for them, which encourages us to commit them to him, to be preserved to his heavenly kingdom (Ti2 1:12): "Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth! redeem me according to a promise which thou wilt be true to."
III. He disclaimed all confederacy with those that made an arm of flesh their confidence (Psa 31:6): I have hated those that regard lying vanities - idolaters (to some), who expect aid from false gods, which are vanity and a lie - astrologers, and those that give heed to them, so others. David abhorred the use of enchantments and divinations; he consulted not, nor even took notice of, the flight of birds or entrails of beasts, good omens or bad omens; they are lying vanities, and he not only did not regard them himself, but hated the wickedness of those that did. He trusted in God only, and not in any creature. His interest in the court or country, his retreats or strongholds, even Goliath's sword itself - these were lying vanities, which he could not depend upon, but trusted in the Lord only. See Psa 40:4; Jer 17:5.
IV. He comforted himself with his hope in God, and made himself, not only easy, but cheerful, with it, Psa 31:7. Having relied on God's mercy, he will be glad and rejoice in it; and those know not how to value their hope in God who cannot find joy enough in that hope to counterbalance their grievances and silence their griefs.
V. He encouraged himself in this hope with the experiences he had had of late, and formerly, of God's goodness to him, which he mentions to the glory of God; he that has delivered doth and will. 1. God had taken notice of his afflictions and all the circumstances of them: "Thou hast considered my trouble, with wisdom to suit relief to it, with condescension and compassion regarding the low estate of they servant." 2. He had observed the temper of his spirit and the workings of his heart under his afflictions: "Thou hast known my soul in adversities, with a tender concern and care for it." God's eye is upon our souls when we are in trouble, to see whether they be humbled for sin, submissive to the will of God, and bettered by the affliction. If the soul, when cast down under affliction, has been lifted up to him in true devotion, he knows it. 3. He had rescued him out of the hands of Saul when he had him safe enough in Keilah (Sa1 23:7): "Thou hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy, but set me at liberty, in a large room, where I may shift for my own safety," Psa 31:8. Christ's using those words (Psa 31:5) upon the cross may warrant us to apply all this to Christ, who trusted in his Father and was supported and delivered by him, and (because he humbled himself) highly exalted, which it is proper to think of when we sing these verses, as also therein to acknowledge the experience we have had of God's gracious presence with us in our troubles and to encourage ourselves to trust in him for the future.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–8. Public domain.
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Evagrius PonticusAD 399
NOTES ON THE PSALMS 30[31].9
The reasons of temptation, when they are realized, provide a broad plane for the soul.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 31
"And hast not shut me up into the hands of the enemy" [Psalm 31:8]. And hast not shut me up, that I should have no opening for recovering unto liberty, and be given over for ever into the power of the devil, ensnaring me with the desire of this life, and terrifying me with death. "You have set my feet in a large room." The resurrection of my Lord being known, and my own being promised me, my love, having been brought out of the straits of fear, walks abroad in continuance, into the expanse of liberty.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 31:8 is a profound declaration of divine deliverance and gratitude, where the psalmist, David, testifies to God's active intervention in rescuing him from overwhelming peril. It marks a dramatic transition from a state of imminent capture and confinement by enemies to one of secure freedom and expansive liberty, attributing this transformative rescue entirely to God's protective and liberating power.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalm 31 is a rich tapestry of lament, fervent prayer, and ultimately, unwavering trust and praise. It commences with David's desperate plea for rescue from his relentless adversaries, expressing deep distress and a pervasive sense of being surrounded by danger, as seen in his cries for help in Psalms 31:1-4. The verse immediately preceding Psalms 31:8, Psalms 31:7, expresses a profound shift to joy and gladness in God's steadfast love, acknowledging that God has intimately seen his affliction and known his soul in the midst of adversities. Psalms 31:8 then serves as a specific, powerful testimony to this deliverance, a concrete example of God's faithfulness in action, moving from a general declaration of trust to a specific instance of rescue, thereby setting the stage for continued praise and confidence in God's ongoing protection in the subsequent verses, such as Psalms 31:9-13.
Historical & Cultural Context: David's life was undeniably marked by frequent and intense periods of persecution and flight, notably from the jealous King Saul, as meticulously chronicled in 1 Samuel, and later from foreign enemies and even his own son Absalom, as depicted in 2 Samuel 15. The vivid imagery of being "shut up into the hand of the enemy" powerfully portrays the ancient and terrifying fear of capture, imprisonment, or death at the hands of adversaries, a common and brutal reality in a world devoid of modern justice systems or protections. To be "in the hand of" an enemy meant to be completely at their mercy, under their absolute control, facing certain harm or demise. The "large room" (Hebrew: merchâb) stands in stark, liberating contrast to this confinement, signifying a place of safety, freedom of movement, and liberation from distress, much like being released from a narrow, dangerous pass into open, secure territory. This potent imagery would have resonated deeply with a people intimately familiar with the threats of siege warfare, ambush, and the constant vulnerability of life in a volatile and often hostile region.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it profoundly underscores the theme of Divine Deliverance, highlighting God's active, personal, and decisive involvement in rescuing His faithful from seemingly insurmountable dangers. It stands as a testament to God's inherent ability and unwavering willingness to intervene precisely when His people are at their most vulnerable, a theme richly echoed throughout David's many psalms of deliverance, such as Psalms 18. Secondly, the verse emphasizes Freedom and Security, portraying God not merely as one who prevents harm, but as one who actively establishes His people in a place of peace and expansive liberty. This "large room" symbolizes not just a narrow escape, but a state of true liberty and security, free from the immediate threat of the oppressor, a concept also powerfully found in Psalms 118:5. Thirdly, it reinforces the enduring theme of Trust in God's Sovereignty, as David's triumphant declaration of deliverance is deeply embedded within a psalm characterized by both lament and profound trust, showcasing his unwavering conviction that God is ultimately in control and will provide an escape and a secure future. Finally, the verse encapsulates a dramatic Transformation from Confinement to Expansion, illustrating God's miraculous power to turn desperate, constricting circumstances into opportunities for flourishing and unhindered movement.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 31:8 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message of divine deliverance and liberation. The most prominent is Antithesis, creating a stark and impactful contrast between two opposing states: being "shut up into the hand of the enemy" and having one's "feet in a large room." This dramatic juxtaposition powerfully emphasizes the magnitude of God's intervention, transforming a situation of extreme confinement and peril into one of expansive freedom and security. The phrase "large room" functions as a potent Metaphor, representing not a literal physical space, but a spiritual and existential state of liberation, safety, and unhindered movement, contrasting sharply with the metaphorical "narrow place" of distress and oppression. Furthermore, the imagery of the "hand of the enemy" is a powerful Metonymy, where "hand" stands for the enemy's power, control, and destructive intent, making the threat more tangible and immediate. The entire verse serves as a heartfelt Testimony, a personal declaration of God's faithfulness and a concise narrative of divine rescue, designed to inspire trust, gratitude, and hope in the listener.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 31:8 profoundly articulates God's character as the ultimate Deliverer and Protector, a foundational theological truth woven throughout the entire tapestry of Scripture. It showcases divine sovereignty over human circumstances, demonstrating that even when faced with overwhelming odds and the apparent triumph of adversaries, God retains the absolute power to intervene decisively and establish His people in security. This verse affirms that God's deliverance is not merely an escape from danger but a transformative transition into a state of spaciousness and freedom, reflecting His deep desire for His children to live unhindered lives of peace and trust. It connects deeply with the biblical narrative of God's consistent redemption, from the miraculous liberation of Israel from Egyptian bondage to the promise of ultimate freedom from the bondage of sin and death.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 31:8 offers immense encouragement and profound hope for believers navigating the complexities and challenges of contemporary life. In a world that often feels confining, whether by spiritual battles, emotional distress, financial hardship, relational conflicts, or pervasive societal pressures, this verse serves as a powerful and timeless reminder that God is our ultimate deliverer. It invites us to shift our perspective from the immediate, overwhelming threat to the sovereign, limitless power of God, who is able not only to prevent our downfall but also to establish us firmly in a place of true freedom and peace. The "large room" God provides may not always manifest as a dramatic change in external circumstances, but often as a profound internal spaciousness—a peace that transcends all understanding, a clarity of mind amidst confusion, or a spiritual liberation that allows us to breathe deeply and move freely even amidst ongoing trials. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of deep gratitude for God's past deliverances and to maintain unwavering trust in His ongoing faithfulness, knowing with certainty that He is always at work to set our feet on firm, expansive ground.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "large room" mean literally and metaphorically in this verse?
Answer: Literally, "large room" translates the Hebrew word merchâb (מֶרְחָב), which means "breadth," "spaciousness," or "a wide place." It refers to an open, unconfined area that offers freedom of movement. Metaphorically, and most significantly in this context, it represents a state of profound freedom, security, and relief from distress. It contrasts sharply with the feeling of being "shut up" or confined by enemies, symbolizing liberation from oppression, danger, and anxiety. It signifies a place where one can move freely, breathe easily, and live without immediate threat, reflecting God's provision of peace and safety for His people, as seen in other passages like Psalms 18:19.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 31:8 speaks powerfully of David's temporal deliverance from earthly adversaries, its deepest and most glorious fulfillment is found in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Humanity, in its fallen state, is truly "shut up into the hand of the enemy"—enslaved by sin, death, and the destructive power of Satan, as vividly described in Romans 6:17 and Hebrews 2:14-15. Jesus, through His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection, is the ultimate Deliverer who decisively breaks the chains of this spiritual captivity. He has "disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" (Colossians 2:15). Through saving faith in Him, we are not merely released from the enemy's grip; we are eternally "set... in a large room" of abundant grace, profound reconciliation with God, and everlasting life. This "large room" is the boundless freedom found exclusively in Christ—freedom from condemnation (Romans 8:1), freedom to approach God's throne with confidence and boldness (Hebrews 4:16), and the spaciousness of a life lived in the power of the Holy Spirit, where all barriers are broken down, for "there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28). He is the true "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29), providing the ultimate, eternal spaciousness of salvation and abundant life.