You gave a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This isn't just about God clearing obstacles; it's about Him providing a foundation so stable and wide that his very ability to walk firmly was a divine gift. It highlights that even our ability to stand and move without stumbling in difficult times is a direct provision from God.
You gave a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip.
English Standard Version (ESV)
David is recounting how God delivered him from overwhelming enemies, celebrating God's strength and faithfulness in rescuing him from dangerous situations. He had just described his near-death experiences and intense struggles, but now he shifts to praising God for making his path secure and steady. This verse is part of his extended thanksgiving, showing how God not only saved him but also enabled him to move forward with confidence and stability.
Ever felt like you're walking a tightrope, with no room to move? David describes a dramatic shift from feeling cornered to being set free.
In this verse, David uses powerful imagery to describe God's deliverance. He speaks of his "steps" being "enlarged." This wasn't just about having more physical space; it was a metaphor for his entire life situation.
From Restriction to Release
Life often feels like walking on ice, doesn't it? One wrong move and you could tumble. David attributes his firm footing to God's direct action.
The second part of the verse, "my feet did not slip," is crucial. It's not just that God opened up space, but that He made David's footing secure within that space.
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God's Unfailing Support
Understand the original words
rachab · Hebrew Verb/Noun phrase
In a biblical context, this refers to divine provision of freedom, success, and security, often portrayed as a large or unobstructed area where one can move without hindrance or threat.
regel · Hebrew Noun
Often used metaphorically for one's path in life, moral conduct, or the progress of one's journey before God; slipping represents falling into sin, failure, or ruin.
This psalm, likely reflecting David's experiences as king and warrior, uses metaphors of difficult terrain and sure footing to express the immense gratitude he felt for God's protection and guidance through perilous military campaigns and the establishment of his kingdom.
c. 1010 BC
David Anointed King
Samuel secretly anoints David as the future king of Israel, setting him on a path that would lead to conflict with King Saul and ultimately the throne.
c. 1000 BC
David Reigns as King of Israel
After Saul's death, David becomes king over all Israel, establishing his capital in Jerusalem and consolidating his rule.
c. 990 BC
David Establishes Jerusalem as Capital
David captures the Jebusite city of Jerusalem and makes it his capital, a strategically central and defensible location, signifying his growing kingdom.
c. 980 BC— this verse
David's Military Campaigns
David engages in numerous successful military campaigns against surrounding nations like the Philistines, Moabites, and Syrians, expanding Israel's territory and securing its borders.
c. 975 BC
David's Later Years and Succession
As David's reign concludes, he faces internal strife and prepares for the succession of his son Solomon, reflecting on his life and God's faithfulness.
This passage uses similar imagery of being set in a 'large room' to describe God's deliverance from distress, directly echoing the idea of 'enlarged steps' for unhindered movement.
Proverbs 4:12This verse speaks of wisdom guiding one's steps so they do not stumble, paralleling the Psalmist's experience of God's guidance preventing his feet from slipping.
Isaiah 40:31This prophecy describes those who wait on the Lord renewing their strength, soaring like eagles, running and not growing weary, and walking and not fainting, which beautifully complements the idea of God providing stable and unhindered steps.
Romans 8:31Paul's rhetorical question, 'If God is for us, who can be against us?', speaks to the ultimate security and unshakeable standing believers have through God's favor, much like the Psalmist's assured steps.
1 Corinthians 10:13This verse assures that God will not allow believers to be tempted beyond what they can bear, and will provide a way out. This resonates with the idea of God making 'room' and preventing a fatal 'slip' when challenges arise.
clarkePsalms 18:36: "Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip."
Enlarged my steps - See on Psalm 18:19 (note). From the hand of God he had continual prosperity; and while he walked with God no enemy was able to prevail against him. He details his successes in the following verses.
barnesPsalms 18:36: "Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip."
Thou hast enlarged my steps under me - The idea here is, "Thou hast made room for my feet, so that I have been enabled to walk without hindrance or obstruction. So in Psalm 31:8 , "Thou hast set my feet in a large room." The idea is, that he was before straitened, compressed, hindered in his goings, but that now all obstacles had been taken out of the way, and he could walk freely. That my feet did not slip - Margi…
This isn't just about God clearing obstacles; it's about Him providing a foundation so stable and wide that his very ability to walk firmly was a divine gift. It highlights that even our ability to stand and move without stumbling in difficult times is a direct provision from God.
David is recounting how God delivered him from overwhelming enemies, celebrating God's strength and faithfulness in rescuing him from dangerous situations. He had just described his near-death experiences and intense struggles, but now he shifts to praising God for making his path secure and steady. This verse is part of his extended thanksgiving, showing how God not only saved him but also enabled him to move forward with confidence and stability.
David is recounting how God delivered him from overwhelming enemies, celebrating God's strength and faithfulness in rescuing him from dangerous situations. He had just described his near-death experiences and intense struggles, but now he shifts to praising God for making his path secure and steady. This verse is part of his extended thanksgiving, showing how God not only saved him but also enabled him to move forward with confidence and stability.
"You gave a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip." — This isn't just about God clearing obstacles; it's about Him providing a foundation so stable and wide that his very ability to walk firmly was a divine gift. It highlights that even our ability to s…
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Last reviewed October 2026