Psalms 118:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 118:5
5 I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place.
Chapter Context
Psalms 118 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, mercy. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-29: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 118:5
5 I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place.
Analysis
"I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place." The Hebrew min hametsar karati Yah (from the narrow/distressing place I called to Yah) uses metsar, indicating tight place, distress, straits—both physical confinement and emotional anguish. The shortened divine name Yah (יָהּ) appears in moments of urgent, intimate address. "The LORD answered me" (anani Yah) affirms divine response—God hears and acts. "Set me in a large place" (b'merchav Yah) pictures movement from confinement to spaciousness, restriction to freedom, danger to safety. Merchav (broad/wide place) connotes relief, deliverance, room to breathe and move. This pattern—cry from distress, divine deliverance to spaciousness—recurs throughout Psalms (Psalm 4:1, 18:19, 31:8). God specializes in bringing His people from narrow straits to broad pastures.
Historical Context
David's life exemplified this pattern: pursued by Saul through wilderness caves (narrow places), delivered to kingship over all Israel (broad place); Israel enslaved in Egypt (narrow place), delivered to Canaan (broad land); Judah exiled to Babylon (confined), restored to Jerusalem (spacious). The Exodus narrative uses similar spatial imagery—from Egyptian bondage to Promised Land "flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8). Jesus later promised abundant life (John 10:10) in contrast to thief's destruction. Paul testified to similar deliverance: "delivered us from so great a death" (2 Corinthians 1:10).
Reflection
- What "narrow places" of distress have you experienced, and how did God answer your cries?
- How does remembering past deliverances from distress strengthen faith for current trials?
- In what ways does God provide "large places" of spiritual freedom beyond mere physical deliverance?
Cross-References
- References Lord: Psalms 18:6, 77:2, 107:13, 107:19, 120:1
- Parallel theme: Psalms 18:19, 31:8, Genesis 32:7