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Psalm 18:35-38

Psalm 18:35 You have given me the shield of your deliverance; your right hand reinforces me, and your humility exalts me.

Psalm 18:36 You make a spacious place beneath me for my steps, and my ankles do not give way.

Psalm 18:37 I pursue my enemies and overtake them; I do not turn back until they are finished.¹

Psalm 18:38 I crush them, and they cannot get up; they fall beneath my feet.

a spacious place beneath me

As a long distance hiker, I so much appreciate that phrase “You make a spacious place beneath me” in verse 36. When the path is narrow and ragged with sharp rocks, every step takes more time, and one false step and your ankles are toast. Even the most experienced hikers are liable to fall or otherwise injure themselves on such a path. Apparently David knew about long distance walks. He also knew the luxury of spacious paths. When he was looking for a way to describe how God took care of him, he used this metaphor about God putting him in places that protected his feet. Because his feet remained strong, he was able to overtake his enemies, and they fell beneath his feet.

Lord, thank you for the protection which makes us strong.