Psalms 18:33
He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places.
Original Language Analysis
מְשַׁוֶּ֣ה
He maketh
H7737
מְשַׁוֶּ֣ה
He maketh
Strong's:
H7737
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, to level, i.e., equalize; figuratively, to resemble; by implication, to adjust (i.e., counterbalance, be suitable, compose, place, yield, et
רַ֭גְלַי
my feet
H7272
רַ֭גְלַי
my feet
Strong's:
H7272
Word #:
2 of 6
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
וְעַ֥ל
H5921
וְעַ֥ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 6
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Habakkuk 3:19The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.Deuteronomy 32:13He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of the fields; and he made him to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock;Deuteronomy 33:29Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places.
Historical Context
David's wilderness years fleeing Saul trained him in mountain warfare and navigation of treacherous terrain—skills essential for later military campaigns.
Questions for Reflection
- How has God used difficult terrain in your life to develop spiritual sure-footedness?
- What high places is God calling you to that require supernatural stability?
Analysis & Commentary
God made David's feet like deer's feet and set him secure on heights. The Hebrew 'ayal' (deer/doe) suggests sure-footedness in dangerous terrain. Heights ('bamah') can mean both physical mountains and metaphorical exaltation. This imagery appears in Habakkuk 3:19 describing confidence in God. Reformed theology sees this as divine providence preparing believers for their calling through trials.