Psalms 18:33

KJV

He maketh my feet like hinds' [feet], and setteth me upon my high places.

KJV (with Strong's)

He maketh {H7737} my feet {H7272} like hinds {H355}' feet, and setteth {H5975} me upon my high places {H1116}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He makes me swift, sure-footed as a deer, and enables me to stand on my high places.

Berean Standard Bible

He makes my feet like those of a deer and stations me upon the heights.

American Standard Version

He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet: And setteth me upon my high places.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 18:33 is a profound declaration by David, celebrating God's divine enablement and steadfast provision in his life, particularly amidst overwhelming adversity. It vividly portrays God as the source of supernatural agility and unwavering stability, empowering His servant to navigate perilous terrain and secure positions of triumph and safety, ultimately testifying to the Lord's faithful deliverance and the believer's secure footing in Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 18 is a monumental psalm of thanksgiving, a "song of deliverance" attributed to David, recounting God's mighty rescue from all his enemies, especially King Saul. It is uniquely paralleled in [2 Samuel 22](/2_samuel/22 "2 Samuel 22 - David's Song of Deliverance"), indicating its profound significance in David's life and the biblical narrative. The psalm begins with David's passionate declaration of love for God ([Psalm 18:1](/psalms/18-1 "Psalm 18:1 - David's Love for God")), followed by a vivid depiction of God's awesome intervention in response to David's distress call. The preceding verses (e.g., [Psalm 18:32](/psalms/18-32 "Psalm 18:32 - God Equips for War")) emphasize God as the one who girds David with strength and makes his way perfect. Verse 33 thus continues this theme of divine empowerment, setting the stage for the subsequent verses that detail David's victories and God's sustained faithfulness in battle. It is a pivotal verse, transitioning from God's dramatic rescue to the practical equipping for ongoing challenges.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's life was marked by constant flight and warfare, from his anointing as king to his persecution by Saul, and later, the establishment and defense of his kingdom. He was a shepherd, a warrior, and a king, intimately familiar with the rugged terrain of Judah and the need for agility and secure footing in both literal mountains and metaphorical battles. The imagery of "hinds' feet" and "high places" resonates deeply with the ancient Near Eastern context of warfare, where fortified mountain strongholds provided strategic advantage and refuge from enemies. Leaders often sought refuge in such inaccessible places, and the ability to traverse difficult, elevated terrain was crucial for survival and victory. David himself often hid in caves and mountain fortresses ([1 Samuel 23:14](/1_samuel/23-14 "1 Samuel 23:14 - David in the Wilderness of Ziph")), making this imagery intensely personal and culturally relevant to his experiences.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [Psalm 18](/psalms/18 "Psalm 18 - David's Song of Deliverance") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Empowerment**, emphasizing that David's capabilities are not innate but divinely bestowed. God Himself is the active agent who "makes" and "sets," underscoring His sovereignty and active involvement in the lives of His servants. Secondly, the theme of **Sure-Footedness and Agility** is central, symbolizing the spiritual and practical ability to navigate life's treacherous paths with stability and confidence, overcoming obstacles and escaping dangers. This speaks to resilience and perseverance granted by God. Thirdly, **Security and Elevation** are prominent, as being "set upon my high places" signifies being lifted to positions of safety, triumph, and strategic vantage points beyond the reach of adversaries. This theme points to God's ultimate protection and the assurance of victory. Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **Absolute Reliance on God**, as David's success and stability are entirely dependent on the Lord's enabling grace, a foundational principle for all who walk by faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hinds' (Hebrew, _'ayyalah'_):** This word refers to a female deer, specifically a hind or doe. Hinds are renowned for their incredible agility, sure-footedness, and ability to traverse steep, rocky, and otherwise inaccessible terrain with remarkable speed and stability. The imagery conveys not merely speed, but a graceful, unwavering footing even on the most treacherous paths. It suggests a supernatural ability to navigate life's most challenging circumstances without stumbling.
* **High Places (Hebrew, _bamot'_):** While _bamot_ can sometimes refer to pagan altars or cultic sites, in this specific context, it unequivocally denotes elevated, secure, and often fortified locations. These are strategic vantage points, mountain strongholds, or places of safety and triumph, inaccessible to enemies. It symbolizes a position of security, authority, and victory, where one is elevated above the fray and beyond the reach of danger.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He maketh my feet like hinds' [feet]":** This clause emphasizes God's active role in equipping David. The metaphor of "hinds' feet" illustrates the divine impartation of agility, stability, and sure-footedness. It signifies the ability to navigate life's most difficult and dangerous paths—metaphorical mountains, valleys, and rocky terrain—with confidence, speed, and grace, without slipping or falling. It speaks to a supernatural enablement that transcends natural human limitations, allowing David to overcome obstacles and escape perils.
* **"and setteth me upon my high places":** This second clause describes the ultimate outcome and position granted by God. "High places" symbolize secure, elevated positions of safety, triumph, and strategic advantage. God not only provides the means (sure-footedness) but also the destination (security and victory). This signifies divine protection, elevation above adversaries, and establishment in a place of rest and dominion, where David is safe from his enemies and can survey the landscape from a position of strength.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 18:33 is rich in literary devices that amplify its meaning and impact. The primary device is **Metaphor**, specifically the comparison of David's feet to "hinds' feet." This vivid image immediately conveys the qualities of agility, sure-footedness, and the ability to navigate difficult terrain with ease and stability. It's a powerful way to communicate supernatural enablement. Closely related is **Symbolism**, where "high places" symbolize security, triumph, and a position of vantage or authority over adversaries. These are not merely physical locations but represent spiritual and existential states of being elevated above danger and established in safety. The verse also employs **Parallelism** in its structure, with the two clauses ("He maketh my feet like hinds' [feet]" and "and setteth me upon my high places") working in tandem to describe God's dual action of equipping and establishing. This creates a sense of completeness and reinforces the idea that God provides both the means and the end. Finally, there is an element of **Anthropomorphism**, as God is depicted with human-like actions of "making" and "setting," emphasizing His personal and active involvement in David's life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 18:33 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign power and unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people. It is a testament to the truth that God actively intervenes in the lives of His servants, not merely to rescue them from immediate danger, but to empower them for sustained spiritual and practical endurance. This verse highlights divine grace as the source of human capability, teaching us that true strength and security come not from self-reliance but from absolute dependence on the Lord. It assures believers that even in the most treacherous circumstances, God provides the necessary agility to navigate challenges and elevates them to positions of ultimate safety and victory, fulfilling His purposes through them.

* [Habakkuk 3:19](/habakkuk/3-19 "Habakkuk 3:19 - The Lord Makes My Feet Like Hinds' Feet")
* [Deuteronomy 32:13](/deuteronomy/32-13 "Deuteronomy 32:13 - God Causes Israel to Ride on High Places")
* [Isaiah 40:31](/isaiah/40-31 "Isaiah 40:31 - Those Who Wait on the Lord Shall Renew Their Strength")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 18:33 offers immense comfort and encouragement to believers navigating the complexities of life. In a world fraught with spiritual warfare, emotional turmoil, and unexpected trials, this verse assures us that we are not left to our own devices. God, our divine enabler, provides the "hinds' feet" – the spiritual agility, resilience, and wisdom – to traverse the treacherous terrains of doubt, fear, and adversity without stumbling. He also "sets us upon our high places," not necessarily removing us from challenges, but elevating our perspective, granting us a secure spiritual vantage point, and establishing us in a position of ultimate triumph in Christ. This means that even when the path ahead seems daunting, we can walk with confidence, knowing that our stability and ultimate victory are secured by His unwavering power and presence. It calls us to lean into His strength, trust in His guidance, and rest in His promise of security, understanding that our true strength is found in Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "treacherous terrain" or "high places" in your life (spiritual, emotional, relational) do you need God's "hinds' feet" to navigate or His power to be set upon?**
* **How does the imagery of divine enablement in this verse shift your perspective on personal weakness or overwhelming challenges?**
* **In what practical ways can you lean more fully on God for the agility and security described in Psalm 18:33, rather than relying on your own strength?**

### FAQ
**What does "He maketh my feet like hinds' [feet]" mean for believers today?**

Answer: For believers today, this phrase is a powerful metaphor for divine enablement. It signifies that God provides us with supernatural agility, stability, and sure-footedness to navigate the challenging, often perilous, paths of life. Just as a hind can climb steep and rocky terrain without slipping, God equips us to face spiritual battles, emotional struggles, and difficult circumstances with resilience, grace, and unwavering faith. It means we are not left to our own strength but are empowered by God's Spirit to walk securely even when the path is uncertain or dangerous.

**What are the "high places" that God sets us upon?**

Answer: In this context, "high places" symbolize positions of security, triumph, and spiritual vantage. They are not necessarily literal mountains, but rather metaphoric places of safety and elevation above our adversaries and life's difficulties. For believers, this can mean being elevated above the schemes of the enemy, experiencing peace in the midst of chaos, or being established in a secure spiritual position in Christ. It speaks to God's protective hand, His ability to bring us through trials to a place of rest and victory, and our spiritual authority and security found in Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 18:33 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential one whose "feet" were perfectly "like hinds' [feet]"—navigating the treacherous terrain of a fallen world, enduring temptation, opposition, and the cross with unwavering resolve and perfect obedience ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of Faith")). His life was a perfect walk of faith, never stumbling, always sure-footed in His Father's will. Furthermore, it is Christ who has been "set upon His high places," exalted to the right hand of the Father, far above all rule and authority ([Ephesians 1:20-21](/ephesians/1-20 "Ephesians 1:20-21 - Christ Seated at God's Right Hand")). Through His death and resurrection, He conquered sin, death, and the grave, securing the ultimate victory. For believers, this verse is fulfilled in our union with Him. Because we are "in Christ," God makes *our* feet like hinds' feet, empowering us by His Spirit to walk in newness of life, to overcome sin, and to navigate the world's challenges with His strength ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ")). Moreover, we are spiritually "set upon high places" with Him, seated with Christ in the heavenly realms ([Ephesians 2:6](/ephesians/2-6 "Ephesians 2:6 - Seated with Christ in Heavenly Realms")), sharing in His victory and security. Thus, David's song of deliverance becomes a prophetic echo of the greater deliverance and divine enablement found in our Lord Jesus, who is our sure footing and our ultimate high place.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Habakkuk 3:19

The LORD God [is] my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' [feet], and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

Deuteronomy 32:13

He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of the fields; and he made him to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock;

Deuteronomy 33:29

Happy [art] thou, O Israel: who [is] like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who [is] the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places.

2 Samuel 2:18

¶ And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel [was as] light of foot as a wild roe.

2 Samuel 22:14

The LORD thundered from heaven, and the most High uttered his voice.