Psalms 40:2

KJV

He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, [and] established my goings.

KJV (with Strong's)

He brought me up {H5927}{H8686)} also out of an horrible {H7588} pit {H953}, out of the miry {H3121} clay {H2916}, and set {H6965}{H8686)} my feet {H7272} upon a rock {H5553}, and established {H3559}{H8790)} my goings {H838}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He brought me up from the roaring pit, up from the muddy ooze, and set my feet on a rock, making my footing firm.

Berean Standard Bible

He lifted me up from the pit of despair, out of the miry clay; He set my feet upon a rock, and made my footsteps firm.

American Standard Version

He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay; And he set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 40:2 stands as a profound declaration of divine deliverance and establishment, vividly capturing the psalmist's miraculous transition from utter despair to secure stability. It powerfully portrays a rescue from a state of overwhelming distress, symbolized by a "horrible pit" and "miry clay," to a firm foundation where God "set my feet upon a rock" and "established my goings." This verse serves as a robust testament to God's active intervention, transforming a life of chaos and helplessness into one of guided purpose and unwavering security, forming the bedrock of the psalmist's subsequent praise and renewed commitment to God's will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 40 is a "mixed" psalm, uniquely blending fervent thanksgiving (vv. 1-10) with heartfelt lament and petition (vv. 11-17). Verse 2 functions as the triumphant climax of the psalmist's recounting of God's past deliverance, providing the foundational experience that fuels his subsequent praise, his renewed commitment to God's will (as articulated in [Psalm 40:8](/psalms/40-8 "Psalm 40:8 - Delight in God's Law")), and his confidence in future divine intervention. This personal testimony of rescue from a desperate situation sets the stage for the broader theological declarations and the subsequent cries for help, demonstrating that past faithfulness is the basis for future trust. The vivid imagery employed here is crucial for understanding the depth of the psalmist's former distress and the sheer magnitude of God's saving power, which then inspires the declaration of God's righteousness and salvation in [Psalm 40:9-10](/psalms/40-9-10 "Psalm 40:9-10 - Proclaiming God's Righteousness and Salvation").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Attributed to David, this psalm reflects experiences common in ancient Near Eastern life, where "pits" (Hebrew: *bôr*) could be literal cisterns, wells, or even dungeons, often becoming miry and dangerous. Falling into such a pit, especially one filled with "clay" or mud, would mean certain death without external intervention, highlighting extreme vulnerability. The imagery of a "rock" (Hebrew: *selaʿ*) contrasts sharply, representing a secure, elevated, and unshakeable refuge, a common metaphor for God's steadfastness and protection in a landscape often rugged and treacherous. The concept of "established goings" speaks to the profound desire for a secure and guided path in a world fraught with physical dangers, uncertain journeys, and spiritual temptations. This deep sense of vulnerability and reliance on divine intervention for survival and stability was a pervasive reality in ancient Israel, making the psalmist's testimony profoundly relatable and resonant.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 40:2 encapsulates several overarching themes central to the book of Psalms and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Deliverance**, showcasing God's active and miraculous intervention in human despair, pulling the psalmist from a seemingly inescapable predicament. Secondly, it highlights **Stability and Security**, contrasting the sinking "miry clay" with the firm "rock" upon which God establishes the psalmist, symbolizing spiritual and emotional steadfastness provided by God. This theme resonates throughout the Psalms, where God is frequently depicted as a [fortress and deliverer](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The Lord is my rock and my fortress"). Thirdly, the verse speaks to **Divine Guidance and Purpose**, as God not only rescues but also "established my goings," implying a clear, secure path forward under His direction. Finally, it underscores the theme of **Testimony and Praise**, as the experience of deliverance becomes the foundation for the psalmist's subsequent worship and commitment, inviting others to witness God's faithfulness, as seen in [Psalm 40:3](/psalms/40-3 "Psalm 40:3 - A New Song of Praise").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Horrible pit (Hebrew, _šāʾôn bôwr'_):** This phrase, literally "pit of uproar" or "pit of tumult," combines H7588 (_šāʾôn_), meaning "uproar (as of rushing); by implication, destruction; tumult," and H953 (_bôwr_), meaning "a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison); cistern, dungeon, pit." The combination suggests not merely a physical pit but a place of overwhelming noise, chaos, and despair, implying a state of utter confusion, danger, and perhaps even the clamor of enemies or the internal turmoil of a distressed soul. It evokes a sense of being consumed by an abyss of terror and hopelessness.
* **Miry clay (Hebrew, _ṭîyṭ yâvên'_):** This phrase refers to "slimy mud" or "deep mire," combining H2916 (_ṭîyṭ_), meaning "mud or clay; figuratively, calamity," and H3121 (_yâvên_), meaning "dregs... mud; mire." The addition of _yâvên_ emphasizes the nuance of "deep mire" or "oozing mud," highlighting the feeling of being stuck, sinking, and utterly unable to gain a foothold or extract oneself. It powerfully conveys helplessness, suffocation, and the slow, inescapable descent into despair.
* **Rock (Hebrew, _çelaʻ'_):** H5553 (_çelaʻ_) denotes a craggy rock, cliff, or a large, immovable rock formation, distinct from a smaller stone (_ʾeben_). This emphasizes the absolute solidity, permanence, and unshakeable nature of the foundation God provides. It stands in stark contrast to the unstable, sinking mud, symbolizing ultimate security, refuge, and often, God Himself as the unyielding source of strength and stability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He brought me up also out of an horrible pit":** This clause immediately establishes God as the active, powerful agent of rescue. The psalmist was in a state of extreme, terrifying distress, a "horrible pit" that implies not just physical danger but overwhelming despair, chaos, and the clamor of affliction. God's action of "bringing up" signifies a miraculous and decisive intervention, lifting the psalmist from a seemingly inescapable abyss of suffering.
* **"out of the miry clay":** This phrase further intensifies the imagery of the psalmist's former predicament. The "miry clay" emphasizes the helplessness and entrapment, the feeling of sinking deeper with every struggle, unable to find any firm footing. It highlights the profound instability and the complete inability of the psalmist to save himself, underscoring the depth of his desperation.
* **"and set my feet upon a rock":** This marks the dramatic turning point. The same divine power that rescued the psalmist from the pit now provides an entirely new foundation. "Setting feet upon a rock" signifies the transition from instability and sinking to absolute security, firmness, and an unshakeable position. It represents God's provision of a stable, enduring, and elevated ground for life, a place of safety and steadfastness.
* **"and established my goings":** This final clause goes beyond mere rescue and stability. "Established my goings" means that God not only saved the psalmist and gave him a firm place to stand but also secured his future path. It implies divine guidance, a steady and secure walk, preventing stumbling or wandering, and ensuring that the psalmist's steps are firm, purposeful, and directed by God, leading to a life of sustained righteousness and security.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 40:2 is rich with **Imagery**, vividly painting the psalmist's experience through concrete pictures of a "horrible pit," "miry clay," and a "rock." This sensory language allows the reader to viscerally feel the despair and the subsequent relief. The primary device is **Metaphor**, where the "horrible pit" and "miry clay" are not literal locations but represent profound states of distress, hopelessness, and entrapment, while the "rock" symbolizes stability, security, and God's steadfastness. There is a powerful **Contrast** at play, juxtaposing the unstable, sinking mire with the firm, unshakeable rock, thereby amplifying the magnitude of God's deliverance. The language also employs **Hyperbole** in describing the "horrible pit" and "miry clay," emphasizing the extreme nature of the psalmist's predicament to underscore the miraculous nature of God's intervention. The entire verse functions as a **Testimony**, a personal narrative of divine rescue that serves to inspire faith and praise within the community of believers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 40:2 profoundly articulates the biblical truth of God as the ultimate Deliverer and Sustainer. It speaks to the universal human experience of despair and the divine response of rescue, establishing a pattern seen throughout Scripture: humanity's inherent inability to save itself from the "pits" of sin, suffering, and death, and God's sovereign, compassionate power to intervene. This verse underscores God's character as faithful, compassionate, and mighty to save, not merely from physical dangers but from spiritual and emotional bondage. It highlights the transformative power of divine grace, moving an individual from a state of utter helplessness to one of secure footing and purposeful direction. The theological implication is that true stability and an "established going" are found only in God, who provides the unshakeable foundation for life. This experience of deliverance leads to a renewed covenant commitment and a life of praise, demonstrating that salvation is not just an event but a reorientation of one's entire being towards God, fostering a deep and abiding trust.

Cross-references that echo these themes include:
* [Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer")
* [Psalm 69:2](/psalms/69-2 "Psalm 69:2 - I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold")
* [Isaiah 51:1](/isaiah/51-1 "Isaiah 51:1 - Look to the rock from which you were hewn")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 40:2 offers profound encouragement and a timeless blueprint for faith in contemporary life. We all encounter "horrible pits" and "miry clay"—moments of deep despair, overwhelming anxiety, addiction, grief, financial ruin, or spiritual stagnation where we feel utterly stuck and unable to escape. This verse powerfully reminds us that God is not distant from our struggles but is actively involved, possessing the power to reach down into our deepest mire and lift us out. It calls us to trust in His intervention, even when our circumstances seem hopeless, and to surrender our helplessness to His mighty hand. Furthermore, it challenges us to recognize that God's deliverance is not merely an escape from trouble but a re-establishment on a firm foundation. He provides stability and a clear, purposeful path forward, guiding our steps and securing our future. This calls for a life of active trust, continually seeking His direction, and a heart of profound gratitude, remembering His past faithfulness as a promise for His future provision and an anchor for our present hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "horrible pits" or "miry clay" have you experienced in your life, and how has God delivered you from them?**
* **In what areas of your life do you currently need God to "set your feet upon a rock" and "establish your goings"?**
* **How does remembering God's past faithfulness in your life strengthen your trust and hope for future challenges?**

### FAQ

**Is the "horrible pit" a literal place?**

Answer: While the imagery of a "pit" could, in some contexts, refer to a literal dungeon, cistern, or grave, in Psalms 40:2, it is primarily a powerful metaphor. The "horrible pit" and "miry clay" symbolize a state of extreme distress, overwhelming despair, danger, or spiritual and emotional entrapment. It represents a situation from which the psalmist felt utterly helpless and unable to escape, highlighting the depth of his suffering and the magnitude of God's miraculous intervention. This metaphorical usage is common in the Psalms, where physical dangers often represent deeper spiritual or emotional turmoil, such as in [Psalm 69:1-2](/psalms/69-1-2 "Psalm 69:1-2 - Sinking in Deep Waters").

**How does God "establish my goings"?**

Answer: To have one's "goings established" means that God not only rescued the psalmist from a perilous situation but also provided a clear, secure, and stable path forward for his life. This implies divine guidance, ensuring that one's steps are firm and purposeful, preventing stumbling, wandering, or falling back into despair. It speaks to God's ongoing providence, direction, and protection, providing a firm foundation for one's spiritual journey and daily walk, ensuring progress in righteousness and security in His will. This concept aligns with biblical teachings on God's guidance, as seen in [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 40:2 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent "Rock" upon whom our lives are to be built, the unshakeable foundation that stands firm against all storms, as taught in [Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24-27 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders"). Humanity, trapped in the "horrible pit" of sin and the "miry clay" of spiritual death, was utterly helpless and unable to extricate itself. It was Christ who, through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, descended into the depths of death and the grave, bringing us up out of that ultimate pit. His resurrection from the grave is the supreme "bringing up" (cf. [Ephesians 2:6](/ephesians/2-6 "Ephesians 2:6 - Raised Up with Christ and Seated in Heavenly Places")), demonstrating His decisive victory over sin and death and securing our deliverance. Through faith in Him, our feet are set upon the solid ground of His righteousness and His finished work, and our "goings" are eternally "established." He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, who not only rescues us from the power of darkness but also guides our every step into an abundant and purposeful life, leading us ultimately to the Father (cf. [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). In Christ, the deliverance promised in the psalm is fully realized, offering not just temporal relief but eternal salvation and an unshakeable hope that transcends all earthly pits.

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

Psalms 37:23

The steps of a [good] man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

Psalms 119:133

¶ Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

Psalms 27:5

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

Psalms 61:2

From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock [that] is higher than I.

Matthew 7:24

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

Matthew 7:25

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

Psalms 71:20

[Thou], which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.