Psalms 18:36

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Commentary on Psalms 18:36 (KJV)

Psalms 18:36 (KJV): "Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip."

Context

Psalm 18 is a magnificent psalm of thanksgiving attributed to David, celebrating God's powerful deliverance from all his enemies and from the hand of King Saul. This psalm is also recorded in 2 Samuel 22, highlighting its significance in David's life as a testament to God's faithfulness. Within this larger narrative of divine rescue and victory, verse 36 speaks to the specific ways God empowered David to navigate treacherous situations safely and with freedom, ensuring his stability amidst grave dangers.

Key Themes

  • Divine Empowerment and Freedom: The phrase "enlarged my steps" signifies that God removed constraints, obstacles, and narrow, dangerous paths, providing David with ample room to move forward without hindrance. It speaks to a divine enablement that allows for progress and liberty, even when surrounded by adversaries.
  • Stability and Security: "That my feet did not slip" emphasizes God's active preservation, ensuring David's footing was secure. In a world full of literal and metaphorical pitfalls, this highlights God as the ultimate source of stability, preventing falls, stumbles, and ultimate failure.
  • God's Provident Care: This verse beautifully illustrates God's meticulous care for His servant, not just in grand victories but also in the everyday walk, ensuring safety and sure-footedness. It underscores a deep trust in God as the one who makes our paths secure, as also mentioned in Proverbs 3:6.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Enlarged my steps" (הִרְחַבְתָּ רִגְלִי - hirchavta rigli): The Hebrew word for "enlarged" (rachav) means "to make wide, spacious, or broad." It conveys the idea of moving from a confined, perilous, or restricted space into an open, secure, and free area. It's the opposite of being hemmed in or trapped, suggesting that God creates opportunities and clear paths where none seemed to exist.
  • "Did not slip" (לֹא מָעֲדוּ - lo ma'adu): The verb "slip" (ma'ad) means "to totter, shake, or stagger." The negation emphasizes absolute stability and the absence of any misstep or fall. This highlights God's protective hand, ensuring the believer maintains a firm footing, even on challenging terrain.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 18:36 offers profound encouragement and insight into God's character and His interaction with His people:

  • Overcoming Obstacles: In life's challenging circumstances—be it financial struggles, relationship difficulties, or spiritual battles—this verse reminds us that God can "enlarge our steps." He can clear the way, provide solutions, and create freedom where we feel confined or restricted.
  • Spiritual Stability: Just as David's physical steps were made secure, God provides spiritual stability in our walk of faith. He protects us from falling into sin, from the enemy's snares, and from doubt that could cause us to stumble. We can trust Him to keep our feet from slipping on the path of righteousness.
  • Confidence in God's Guidance: When facing uncertainty, we can have confidence that the Lord will guide us, making our path clear and secure. This verse inspires trust that God will not only lead us but also empower us to walk with freedom and assurance, preventing us from losing our way or falling prey to danger.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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:
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