Psalms 17:5

Psalm 17:5 (KJV) is a poignant prayer from David, expressing his deep reliance on God for guidance and stability in his life's journey. It reads, "Hold up my goings in thy paths, [that] my footsteps slip not."

Context

This verse is part of a larger prayer (Psalm 17) where David appeals to God as his righteous judge and protector against wicked enemies. He asserts his own integrity and seeks divine deliverance from those who seek his harm. Verse 5 specifically underscores his commitment to walking in God's ways and his recognition that maintaining this upright path requires constant divine assistance. It's a prayer for preservation, not just from external threats, but from internal moral failure or spiritual stumbling.

Key Themes

• Divine Preservation and Guidance: David acknowledges that his ability to walk righteously is not self-generated but sustained by God. He pleads for God to "hold up" his steps, indicating a need for continuous support and direction in his spiritual journey.
• Obedience and Righteousness: The phrase "in thy paths" highlights David's desire to adhere to God's commandments and righteous standards. This is not a prayer for an easy life, but for stability within a life committed to God's will.
• Dependence on God: The plea "that my footsteps slip not" reveals a profound awareness of human frailty and the ever-present danger of falling into sin or error. It emphasizes complete reliance on God's power to keep one steadfast. This echoes the broader biblical theme of trusting in the Lord with all your heart.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "hold up" or "sustain" is tamakh (תָּמַךְ), which conveys the idea of grasping, upholding, or supporting. It suggests a firm, active, and continuous act of sustenance. David isn't asking for a momentary boost but for ongoing divine upholding. The "paths" (ma'galoteikha) refer to established, well-trodden ways, implying God's unchanging and reliable moral and spiritual directives. To "slip not" (lo timmot) means to not waver, stumble, or fall, emphasizing spiritual and moral stability.

Related Scriptures

This prayer resonates with other scriptures that speak to God's guidance and ability to keep His people from falling. For instance, Proverbs 3:6 promises that if we acknowledge God in all our ways, He will direct our paths. Similarly, Jude 1:24 offers doxology to God, "who is able to keep you from falling". These verses collectively affirm the believer's need for and God's faithfulness in providing spiritual stability, particularly when walking in His righteous ways.

Practical Application

Psalm 17:5 remains profoundly relevant today. In a world full of moral ambiguities and temptations, believers constantly face situations where their "footsteps" might "slip." This verse encourages us to:

• Pray for Divine Guidance: Actively seek God's direction in all decisions, big or small, recognizing that true wisdom comes from Him.
• Commit to God's Ways: Intentionally choose to live according to biblical principles and commandments, even when it's difficult or unpopular.
• Lean on God's Strength: Acknowledge our own weaknesses and depend on God's sustaining power to maintain integrity and avoid sin. It reminds us that our spiritual walk is a journey requiring constant divine support, ensuring we remain steadfast in His righteous "paths."