Psalm 18:36 - The LORD is My Rock

You broaden the path beneath me
This phrase suggests divine intervention and support, indicating that God provides stability and security. In biblical times, paths were often narrow and treacherous, especially in the hilly and rocky terrain of ancient Israel. The broadening of a path symbolizes making a way safe and secure, which can be seen as a metaphor for God's guidance and protection in life's journey. This imagery is consistent with other scriptures, such as Isaiah 40:4, which speaks of making rough places smooth. It reflects the idea that God prepares the way for His people, ensuring their steps are firm and secure.

so that my ankles do not give way
The mention of ankles not giving way highlights the physical stability and strength provided by God. In ancient warfare, a soldier's ability to stand firm was crucial, and weak ankles could lead to a fall and defeat. This phrase can be connected to Ephesians 6:13, where believers are encouraged to stand firm in the armor of God. It also reflects the cultural understanding of physical strength as a metaphor for spiritual resilience. The protection of one's ankles can be seen as a type of Christ, who is the foundation and strength for believers, ensuring they do not falter in their spiritual walk.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The author of Psalm 18, David is expressing gratitude and praise to God for deliverance from his enemies and from the hand of Saul. This psalm is a song of thanksgiving for God's protection and provision.

2. God
The central figure in this verse, God is depicted as the one who provides stability and security for David, ensuring his path is secure.

3. Enemies
While not directly mentioned in this verse, the broader context of Psalm 18 involves David's deliverance from his enemies, highlighting the contrast between the instability they bring and the stability God provides.

Teaching Points

God's Provision of Stability
Just as God broadened the path for David, He provides stability in our lives, ensuring that we do not falter in our spiritual journey.

Trust in God's Guidance
Trusting in God's guidance means believing that He will make our paths secure, even when circumstances seem uncertain.

Spiritual Preparedness
Like a soldier prepared for battle, we must be spiritually prepared, trusting that God will support us and prevent us from stumbling.

Gratitude for God's Protection
Recognize and give thanks for the ways God has protected and guided us, just as David did in his psalm of thanksgiving.

(36) Thou hast enlarged my steps.--Comp. Psalm 31:8, which explains the phrase; also Psalm 18:19 above.

Verse 36. - Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip. Job often complained that God "hedged in his steps" (Job 3:23) and "fenced up his way" (Job 19:5), so that he had no liberty of movement. David enumerates among the blessings which he receives of God, the freedom which he enjoys (comp. Psalm 31:8). He is at liberty to go where he likes. and also his footsteps "do not slip." This is rather an independent clause than a consequence. Translate, and my ankles slip not. Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

You broaden
תַּרְחִ֣יב (tar·ḥîḇ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7337: To be or grow wide or large

the path
צַעֲדִ֣י (ṣa·‘ă·ḏî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6806: A pace, regular step

beneath me
תַחְתָּ֑י (ṯaḥ·tāy)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of

so that my ankles
קַרְסֻלָּֽי׃ (qar·sul·lāy)
Noun - fdc | first person common singular
Strong's 7166: An ankle

do not
וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

give way.
מָ֝עֲד֗וּ (mā·‘ă·ḏū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 4571: To slip, slide, totter, shake

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Psalm 18:36 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Psalm 18:36 You have enlarged my steps under me (Psalm Ps Psa.)