◄ Psalm 66:9 ►
He preserves our lives and keeps our feet from slipping.
Study Bible
He preserves our lives
This phrase emphasizes God's role as the sustainer and protector of life. Throughout the Bible, God is depicted as the one who holds the power over life and death (Deuteronomy 32:39). The preservation of life can be seen in the context of Israel's history, where God repeatedly delivered His people from peril, such as during the Exodus from Egypt (Exodus 14:29-31). The idea of God preserving life is also echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus speaks of His role as the Good Shepherd who gives life abundantly (John 10:10-11). This preservation is not just physical but also spiritual, as God offers eternal life through faith in Christ (John 3:16).

and keeps our feet from slipping.
This phrase suggests stability and guidance, indicating God's role in providing a firm foundation for believers. In biblical times, the imagery of slipping feet was often associated with danger or falling into sin (Psalm 73:2). The terrain of ancient Israel, with its rocky paths and steep hills, made slipping a common physical danger, which serves as a metaphor for spiritual peril. God's guidance is likened to a shepherd leading his flock safely (Psalm 23:3-4). In the New Testament, Jesus is described as the cornerstone, providing a stable foundation for faith (Ephesians 2:20). The assurance that God keeps our feet from slipping is a promise of His faithfulness and the security found in His guidance (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Persons / Places / Events
1. God
The central figure in this verse, God is depicted as the preserver and protector of life. His role is active and ongoing, ensuring the stability and safety of His people.

2. The Psalmist
While not named, the author of the psalm speaks on behalf of the community, expressing collective gratitude and recognition of God's sustaining power.

3. The Community of Believers
The "our" in the verse indicates a communal experience and acknowledgment of God's protection, suggesting a shared testimony among the faithful.
Teaching Points
God's Sustaining Power
God is actively involved in preserving our lives, not just in a physical sense but spiritually and emotionally. Recognize and give thanks for His constant care.

Stability in Faith
Just as God keeps our feet from slipping, He provides stability in our faith journey. Trust in His guidance and lean on His wisdom to navigate life's challenges.

Community Testimony
The collective "our" in the verse encourages us to share testimonies of God's faithfulness within our communities, strengthening each other's faith.

Dependence on God
Acknowledge our dependence on God for both the big and small aspects of life. In moments of uncertainty, remember His promise to keep us steady.

Spiritual Vigilance
Be spiritually vigilant, knowing that God equips us to stand firm against temptations and trials. Engage in regular prayer and scripture study to remain grounded.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does recognizing God as the preserver of life influence your daily decisions and actions?

2. In what ways can you share your personal experiences of God's protection with your community to encourage others?

3. Reflect on a time when you felt your "feet slipping" in life. How did you experience God's stabilizing presence during that time?

4. How can the assurance of God's protection in Psalm 66:9 inspire you to face current challenges with confidence?

5. Compare Psalm 66:9 with Jude 1:24. How do these verses together enhance your understanding of God's protective nature across both the Old and New Testaments?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 121:3
This verse also speaks of God keeping the feet of His people from slipping, emphasizing His role as a vigilant guardian.

Proverbs 3:26
Highlights the Lord as the source of confidence and protection, reinforcing the theme of divine preservation.

Jude 1:24
In the New Testament, this verse echoes the assurance of God’s ability to keep believers from falling, showing continuity in God's protective nature.
Sermons
The Safety of the SaintsJames Wells.Psalm 66:9
God in HistoryW. Forsyth Psalm 66:1-20
ProvidenceJ. Stalker, D. D.Psalm 66:1-20
WorshipHomilistPsalm 66:1-20
An Invitation to Study God's Marvellous Works Towards MenC. Short Psalm 66:5-12
The Eternal Ruler of the UniverseHomilistPsalm 66:5-12
People
Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Allow, Doesn't, Foot, Gives, Holdeth, Keeps, Kept, Moved, Placed, Preserves, Slip, Slipping, Soul, Suffered, Suffereth
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 66:9

     5151   feet

Psalm 66:8-9

     8352   thankfulness

Library
Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
A BRIEF AND FAITHFUL RELATION OF THE EXCEEDING MERCY OF GOD IN CHRIST TO HIS POOR SERVANT, JOHN BUNYAN; WHEREIN IS PARTICULARLY SHOWED THE MANNER OF HIS CONVERSION, HIS SIGHT AND TROUBLE FOR SIN, HIS DREADFUL TEMPTATIONS, ALSO HOW HE DESPAIRED OF GOD'S MERCY, AND HOW THE LORD AT LENGTH THROUGH CHRIST DID DELIVER HIM FROM ALL THE GUILT AND TERROR THAT LAY UPON HIM. Whereunto is added a brief relation of his call to the work of the ministry, of his temptations therein, as also what he hath met with …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

But, after that He had Made Mention of These Evils...
30. But, after that he had made mention of these evils, he added and said, "On account of which cometh the wrath of God on the sons of unbelief." [1923] Surely it was a wholesome alarm that believers might not think that they could be saved on account of their faith alone, even although they should live in these evils: the Apostle James with most clear speech crying out against that notion, and saying, "If any say that he have faith, and have not works, shall his faith be able to save him?" [1924] …
St. Augustine—On Continence

The History of the Psalter
[Sidenote: Nature of the Psalter] Corresponding to the book of Proverbs, itself a select library containing Israel's best gnomic literature, is the Psalter, the compendium of the nation's lyrical songs and hymns and prayers. It is the record of the soul experiences of the race. Its language is that of the heart, and its thoughts of common interest to worshipful humanity. It reflects almost every phase of religious feeling: penitence, doubt, remorse, confession, fear, faith, hope, adoration, and …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

The Heart's Desire Given to Help Mission Work in China.
"Sept. 30 [1869].--From Yorkshire L50.--Received also One Thousand Pounds to-day for the Lord's work in China. About this donation it is especially to be noticed, that for months it had been my earnest desire to do more than ever for Mission Work in China, and I had already taken steps to carry out this desire, when this donation of One Thousand Pounds came to hand. This precious answer to prayer for means should be a particular encouragement to all who are engaged in the Lord's work, and who may …
George Müller—Answers to Prayer

In Death and after Death
A sadder picture could scarcely be drawn than that of the dying Rabbi Jochanan ben Saccai, that "light of Israel" immediately before and after the destruction of the Temple, and for two years the president of the Sanhedrim. We read in the Talmud (Ber. 28 b) that, when his disciples came to see him on his death-bed, he burst into tears. To their astonished inquiry why he, "the light of Israel, the right pillar of the Temple, and its mighty hammer," betrayed such signs of fear, he replied: "If I were …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Shewing Wherein all Saving Grace Does Summarily Consist"
The next thing that arises for consideration is, What is the nature of this Divine principle in the soul that is so entirely diverse from all that is naturally in the soul? Here I would observe,-- 1. That that saving grace that is in the hearts if the saints, that within them [which is] above nature, and entirely distinguishes 'em from all unconverted men, is radically but one -- i.e., however various its exercises are, yet it is but one in its root; 'tis one individual principle in the heart. 'Tis …
Jonathan Edwards—Treatise on Grace

I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also-
OR, A DISCOURSE TOUCHING PRAYER; WHEREIN IS BRIEFLY DISCOVERED, 1. WHAT PRAYER IS. 2. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT. 3. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT AND WITH THE UNDERSTANDING ALSO. WRITTEN IN PRISON, 1662. PUBLISHED, 1663. "For we know not what we should pray for as we ought:--the Spirit--helpeth our infirmities" (Rom 8:26). ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. There is no subject of more solemn importance to human happiness than prayer. It is the only medium of intercourse with heaven. "It is …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Jesus Heals on the Sabbath Day and Defends his Act.
(at Feast-Time at Jerusalem, Probably the Passover.) ^D John V. 1-47. ^d 1 After these things there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. [Though every feast in the Jewish calendar has found some one to advocate its claim to be this unnamed feast, yet the vast majority of commentators choose either the feast of Purim, which came in March, or the Passover, which came in April. Older commentators pretty unanimously regarded it as the Passover, while the later school favor the feast …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Why all Things Work for Good
1. The grand reason why all things work for good, is the near and dear interest which God has in His people. The Lord has made a covenant with them. "They shall be my people, and I will be their God" (Jer. xxxii. 38). By virtue of this compact, all things do, and must work, for good to them. "I am God, even thy God" (Psalm l. 7). This word, Thy God,' is the sweetest word in the Bible, it implies the best relations; and it is impossible there should be these relations between God and His people, and …
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial

Question Lxxxiii of Prayer
I. Is Prayer an Act of the Appetitive Powers? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer based on Friendship II. Is it Fitting to Pray? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer as a True Cause S. Augustine, On the Sermon on the Mount, II. iii. 14 " On the Gift of Perseverance, vii. 15 III. Is Prayer an Act of the Virtue of Religion? Cardinal Cajetan, On the Humility of Prayer S. Augustine, On Psalm cii. 10 " Of the Gift of Perseverance, xvi. 39 IV. Ought We to Pray to God Alone? S. Augustine, Sermon, cxxvii. 2 V. …
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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