Psalms 18:36

KJV

Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou hast enlarged {H7337} my steps {H6806} under me, that my feet {H7166} did not slip {H4571}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You lengthen the steps I can take, yet my ankles do not turn.

Berean Standard Bible

You broaden the path beneath me so that my ankles do not give way.

American Standard Version

Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, And my feet have not slipped.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 18:36 is a profound declaration of God's active enablement and meticulous protection over David, ensuring his stability and freedom amidst perilous circumstances. It vividly portrays the Lord's intervention in removing obstacles and creating a secure, expansive path, allowing David to navigate the treacherous terrain of his life and reign without stumbling or falling. This verse ultimately affirms God as the sovereign source of security, progress, and unwavering support for His servant, empowering him to advance confidently in his divinely appointed mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 18 stands as a magnificent psalm of thanksgiving, attributed to David, celebrating God's powerful deliverance from all his adversaries, particularly King Saul. Its profound significance in David's life is underscored by its parallel appearance in [2 Samuel 22](/2-samuel/22 "2 Samuel 22 - David's Song of Deliverance"), serving as a timeless testament to God's unwavering faithfulness. The psalm commences with David's fervent praise for God as his rock, fortress, and deliverer (vv. 1-3), followed by a dramatic recounting of his distress and God's awe-inspiring, cosmic intervention (vv. 4-19). Verses 20-28 detail God's righteous judgment and His vindication of David's integrity. Verse 36 is situated within a crucial section (vv. 29-45) where David elaborates on the practical effects of God's empowering presence in his warfare and kingship, highlighting how God equipped him for battle and granted him decisive victory. It marks a transition from the grand, sweeping acts of salvation to the specific, intimate ways God sustained David's personal walk and mission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's life was characterized by a relentless journey of constant threats, pursuits, and battles, from his years as a fugitive fleeing Saul to the eventual establishment and defense of his kingdom. The imagery of "enlarged steps" and "feet not slipping" resonates deeply with the physical realities of ancient Israel. The rugged terrain of Judea, with its rocky paths, narrow mountain passes, and treacherous ravines, made both travel and warfare inherently dangerous. "Enlarging steps" would literally mean moving from a confined, ambush-prone path to open, secure ground, allowing for unhindered movement and strategic advantage. "Slipping" was a pervasive danger on uneven, dusty, or wet surfaces, symbolizing not just physical falls but also moral lapses or strategic failures. Culturally, a king's stability, strength, and ability to lead his people were paramount, and any stumble or fall could signify weakness, divine disfavor, or a loss of authority. Thus, God's action ensured David's physical, moral, and metaphorical secure footing in his divinely appointed role as king.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 18 and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores **Divine Empowerment and Freedom**, illustrating how God actively removes constraints and provides ample room for His servant to move forward without hindrance, even when surrounded by adversaries. It highlights **Stability and Security**, emphasizing God's meticulous preservation of David, ensuring his footing was firm and secure against all odds. This points to God as the ultimate source of stability, preventing falls, stumbles, and ultimate failure—a theme beautifully echoed in [Psalm 37:23-24](/psalms/37-23-24 "Psalm 37:23-24 - The Steps of a Good Man"). Furthermore, the verse speaks to **God's Provident Care**, demonstrating His intimate involvement in the daily walk of His people, not just in grand victories but in ensuring every step is safe and sure-footed. This meticulous care fosters **Trust in God's Faithfulness**, as David testifies to God's unwavering commitment to uphold those who walk in His ways, enabling them to fulfill their divine calling.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Enlarged (Hebrew, _rāḥaḇ'_):** This verb, derived from a primitive root, means "to broaden, make wide, or make spacious." It conveys the idea of moving from a confined, perilous, or restricted space into an open, secure, and free area. In the context of "steps," it suggests the active removal of obstacles, the clearing of a path, and the provision of ample room for movement, signifying freedom from constraint and the ability to advance without being hemmed in or trapped. It implies God actively creates opportunities and clear pathways where none seemed to exist, enabling progress and unhindered movement.
* **Steps (Hebrew, _tsaʻad'_):** This noun refers to a "pace or regular step." In this context, "steps" encompasses one's gait, progress, or the overall course of life. The enlargement of "steps" therefore signifies the unhindered progress, freedom, and expansiveness in one's life and endeavors, all under divine guidance and protection. It speaks to the journey David walks, his actions, and the trajectory of his life.
* **Slip (Hebrew, _māʻaḏ'_):** This primitive root means "to waver, make to shake, slide, or stumble." The negation ("did not slip") emphasizes absolute stability, the absence of any misstep, fall, or failure. It highlights God's protective hand, ensuring the believer maintains a firm and secure footing, even when traversing challenging or treacherous terrain, both literally and metaphorically, thereby preventing any form of collapse or failure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou hast enlarged my steps under me":** This clause directly attributes the action to God ("Thou hast"), emphasizing His sovereign initiation. "Enlarged my steps" signifies that God has removed restrictions, cleared impediments, and provided a wide, secure path for David's life journey. The phrase "under me" emphasizes that this secure foundation and expansive pathway are directly beneath David's feet, indicating God's active, personal, and immediate provision for his every movement and endeavor. It speaks to divine enablement, granting freedom and progress where confinement or danger might otherwise exist.
* **"that my feet did not slip":** This is the intended result or purpose of God's preceding action. Because God "enlarged" David's steps and provided a secure path, his feet remained firm and stable. This signifies divine preservation, preventing any stumble, fall, or failure, whether physical, moral, or strategic. It underscores God's meticulous care in ensuring David's stability and preventing him from succumbing to the many dangers and pitfalls he faced throughout his life and reign, ensuring his unhindered progress in fulfilling God's purposes.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message of divine protection and enablement. **Metaphor** is central, as "enlarged my steps" and "feet did not slip" are not merely literal descriptions of walking but powerful metaphors for God providing freedom, security, and stability in David's life journey, particularly amidst his adversaries and the challenges of leadership. The imagery evokes a sense of moving from a narrow, dangerous pass to a wide, open, and safe road. **Anthropomorphism** is also present, as God is depicted as actively clearing and securing David's path, an action typically performed by a human guide or protector. This highlights God's personal, intimate, and hands-on involvement in David's life. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates **Causality** or **Purpose**, with the "that" clause establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship: God's action of enlarging David's steps directly results in his feet not slipping. This structure emphasizes God's intentional and effective provision for His servant's well-being and success.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse beautifully illustrates God's active and intimate involvement in the lives of His people, providing not just grand, miraculous interventions but also daily, meticulous preservation. It speaks to the character of God as a faithful protector and enabler, who does not merely observe our struggles but actively clears our path and steadies our steps. The theological implication is that true stability and freedom are found in dependence on God's sovereign care. He is the one who provides the necessary space and security to navigate life's challenges, ensuring that His purposes for us are not thwarted by obstacles or pitfalls. This assurance fosters deep trust and confidence in His providential guidance, reminding us that even in the most treacherous circumstances, our footing is secure when it is established by Him.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord and He will direct your paths")
* [Psalm 37:23-24](/psalms/37-23-24 "Psalm 37:23-24 - The Steps of a Good Man are Established by the Lord")
* [Jude 1:24](/jude/1-24 "Jude 1:24 - God is Able to Keep You From Falling")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Psalms 18:36 offers profound encouragement and a vital perspective on God's character and His interaction with His people. In a world fraught with uncertainty, challenges, and metaphorical "slippery paths"—be they financial struggles, relational difficulties, spiritual battles, or career uncertainties—this verse reminds us that God is actively at work to "enlarge our steps." He can clear the way, remove constraints, provide solutions, and create freedom where we feel confined or restricted. This isn't just about physical safety, but spiritual and emotional stability. God provides a firm foundation for our faith, protecting us from falling into sin, from the enemy's snares, and from doubts that could cause us to stumble. We can trust Him to keep our feet from slipping on the path of righteousness, empowering us to walk with confidence and purpose. When we face daunting obstacles, this verse calls us to look to God, who makes our path secure and enables us to move forward with assurance, knowing that He will not only lead us but also empower us to walk in freedom and prevent us from losing our way or falling prey to danger.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you currently feel confined or restricted, needing God to "enlarge your steps" and provide greater freedom?**
* **How does trusting in God's ability to keep your "feet from slipping" impact your courage and perseverance when facing significant challenges or temptations?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to lean more fully on God for stability and guidance in your daily walk, especially when the path seems uncertain?**

### FAQ
**What does "enlarged my steps" mean in a practical sense for believers today?**

Answer: In a practical sense for believers today, "enlarged my steps" means that God removes obstacles, provides opportunities, and grants freedom where we might feel constrained or limited. This can manifest in various ways:
* **Spiritual Freedom:** God frees us from the bondage of sin, doubt, or fear, allowing us to walk in greater spiritual liberty and assurance.
* **Cleared Paths:** He opens doors in our careers, ministries, or relationships that seemed closed, providing clear direction and opportunities for growth.
* **Overcoming Obstacles:** When facing seemingly insurmountable problems, God provides creative solutions, resources, or breakthroughs that expand our capacity to move forward.
* **Inner Peace:** He brings a sense of spaciousness and peace to our minds and hearts, freeing us from anxiety and allowing us to walk with confidence, knowing He is guiding our way, as promised in [Isaiah 26:3](/isaiah/26-3 "Isaiah 26:3 - Perfect Peace"). It implies God makes our path clear and secure, allowing us to move forward without hindrance or fear of failure.

**How does this verse relate to the idea of "walking with God"?**

Answer: This verse directly speaks to the security and enablement found in a life lived in communion with God. "Walking with God" implies a continuous journey of faith, obedience, and dependence on Him. Psalms 18:36 assures us that as we walk with Him, God is actively involved in guiding and securing our journey. Just as He ensured David's physical and strategic stability, He provides spiritual stability for those who walk in His ways. It means that our steps are not our own but are established and made secure by the Lord (as seen in [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - Man Plans, God Directs")). He prevents us from straying off course, stumbling into sin, or falling prey to the enemy's schemes, ensuring our progress and preservation on the path of righteousness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 18:36, while a powerful testament to David's personal experience of divine deliverance, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David's "enlarged steps" foreshadow the boundless freedom and secure path that Christ, our ultimate Deliverer, provides. Where humanity's steps were confined by sin and destined to slip into destruction, Jesus, through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, has [opened a new and living way](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to God through Christ") for us. He is not merely a guide but [the Way, the Truth, and the Life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, The Way"), making our spiritual steps secure and preventing us from slipping into eternal condemnation. Through His finished work on the cross, we are freed from the narrow confines of legalism and the treacherous ground of self-reliance, empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in [newness of life](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life in Christ"). He ensures that our feet, once prone to stumble, are now firmly planted on the solid rock of His salvation, enabling us to run the race with perseverance, looking to [Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, Author and Perfecter of Faith"). In Christ, we experience the ultimate enlargement of our steps, having been given [every spiritual blessing](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ") and the unshakeable assurance that nothing can separate us from the love of God.

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

Proverbs 4:12

When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.

2 Samuel 22:37

Thou hast enlarged my steps under me; so that my feet did not slip.

Psalms 4:1

¶ To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm of David. Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me [when I was] in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

Job 36:16

Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait [into] a broad place, where [there is] no straitness; and that which should be set on thy table [should be] full of fatness.

Job 18:7

The steps of his strength shall be straitened, and his own counsel shall cast him down.

Luke 12:50

But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!

Luke 24:46

And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: