2 Samuel 22:37
You broaden the path beneath me so that my ankles do not give way.
You broaden
The Hebrew root for "broaden" is "rachab," which means to make wide or enlarge. In the context of ancient warfare and travel, a broad path signifies safety and ease of movement. Spiritually, this broadening represents God's provision and protection, ensuring that the believer's journey is unhindered by obstacles. It reflects the divine intervention that removes barriers, allowing for a smoother path in life and faith.

the path beneath me
The "path" here, from the Hebrew "orach," signifies a way or course of life. In biblical times, paths were often treacherous, filled with potential dangers. The imagery of God broadening the path beneath the psalmist suggests a divine preparation and guidance, ensuring stability and direction. This phrase emphasizes the personal relationship between the believer and God, where God actively participates in the journey of life, providing a secure foundation.

so that my ankles
The mention of "ankles" highlights human frailty and the need for divine support. In the Hebrew context, the ankle is symbolic of one's ability to stand and move forward. It represents the foundational strength required to walk the path of righteousness. This phrase underscores the idea that without God's intervention, human strength is insufficient to navigate life's challenges.

do not give way
The Hebrew root "ma'ad" means to slip or totter. This phrase conveys the assurance of stability and steadfastness provided by God. In a broader spiritual sense, it reflects the promise that God will uphold the believer, preventing them from falling into sin or despair. It is a testament to God's faithfulness in sustaining His people, ensuring that they remain firm in their faith and purpose.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The author of this song of praise, David is expressing gratitude to God for His deliverance and protection throughout his life, particularly from his enemies and King Saul.

2. God
The central figure in David's song, God is portrayed as a deliverer, protector, and the one who provides stability and strength to David.

3. The Song of Deliverance
This chapter is a song of thanksgiving and praise, reflecting David's acknowledgment of God's faithfulness and power in his life.
Teaching Points
God as Our Stabilizer
Just as God broadened the path for David, He provides stability in our lives. We can trust Him to guide us through uncertain and challenging times.

Dependence on Divine Guidance
David's reliance on God for a secure path encourages us to seek God's guidance in our daily decisions and life direction.

Gratitude for God's Provision
Recognizing and thanking God for the ways He has made our paths secure can deepen our relationship with Him and increase our faith.

Spiritual Preparedness
Just as a broad path prevents stumbling, spiritual preparedness through prayer and scripture study can prevent us from faltering in our faith journey.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's expression of God's provision in 2 Samuel 22:37 inspire you to trust God in your current circumstances?

2. In what ways can you relate to David's experience of God broadening your path? Can you think of specific instances where God has provided stability in your life?

3. How does the theme of God directing our paths in Proverbs 3:5-6 enhance your understanding of 2 Samuel 22:37?

4. What practical steps can you take to ensure that you are spiritually prepared to walk the path God has set before you?

5. How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude like David's, acknowledging God's provision and protection in your daily life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 18
This psalm is almost identical to 2 Samuel 22 and provides additional context and insight into David's heart of worship and gratitude.

Proverbs 3:5-6
These verses emphasize trusting in the Lord and acknowledging Him in all ways, which aligns with the theme of God directing and broadening our paths.

Isaiah 40:31
This verse speaks of God renewing strength, similar to how He provides stability and strength to David's path.
Abundant Cause for ThanksgivingChristian Endeavour Times2 Samuel 22:1-51
David's Song of PraiseB. Dale 2 Samuel 22:1-51
Psalm SingingA. Whyte, D. D.2 Samuel 22:1-51
The Song of ThanksgivingW. G. Blaikie, D. D.2 Samuel 22:1-51
Faith Winning Victories2 Samuel 22:35-43
People
David, Saul
Places
Gath
Topics
Ankles, Beneath, Enlarge, Enlarged, Enlargedst, Enlargest, Hast, Path, Slidden, Slip, Slipped, Step, Steps, Turn, Wide
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Samuel 22:37

     4803   breadth

2 Samuel 22:2-51

     8609   prayer, as praise and thanksgiving

2 Samuel 22:35-43

     5776   achievement

Library
David's Hymn of victory
'For Thou hast girded me with strength to battle: them that, rose up against me hast Thou subdued under me. 41. Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me. 42. They looked, but there was none to save; even unto the Lord, but He answered them not. 43. Then did I beat them as small as the dust of the earth, I did stamp them as the mire of the street, and did spread them abroad. 44. Thou also hast delivered me from the strivings of my people, Thou hast
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Mosaic Cosmogony.
ON the revival of science in the 16th century, some of the earliest conclusions at which philosophers arrived were found to be at variance with popular and long-established belief. The Ptolemaic system of astronomy, which had then full possession of the minds of men, contemplated the whole visible universe from the earth as the immovable centre of things. Copernicus changed the point of view, and placing the beholder in the sun, at once reduced the earth to an inconspicuous globule, a merely subordinate
Frederick Temple—Essays and Reviews: The Education of the World

The First Commandment
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.' Exod 20: 3. Why is the commandment in the second person singular, Thou? Why does not God say, You shall have no other gods? Because the commandment concerns every one, and God would have each one take it as spoken to him by name. Though we are forward to take privileges to ourselves, yet we are apt to shift off duties from ourselves to others; therefore the commandment is in the second person, Thou and Thou, that every one may know that it is spoken to him,
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

In the Present Crusade against the Bible and the Faith of Christian Men...
IN the present crusade against the Bible and the Faith of Christian men, the task of destroying confidence in the first chapter of Genesis has been undertaken by Mr. C. W. Goodwin, M.A. He requires us to "regard it as the speculation of some Hebrew Descartes or Newton, promulgated in all good faith as the best and most probable account that could be then given of God's Universe." (p. 252.) Mr. Goodwin remarks with scorn, that "we are asked to believe that a vision of Creation was presented to him
John William Burgon—Inspiration and Interpretation

A Discourse of Mercifulness
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7 These verses, like the stairs of Solomon's temple, cause our ascent to the holy of holies. We are now mounting up a step higher. Blessed are the merciful . . '. There was never more need to preach of mercifulness than in these unmerciful times wherein we live. It is reported in the life of Chrysostom that he preached much on this subject of mercifulness, and for his much pressing Christians to mercy, he was called of many, the alms-preacher,
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

The Ark among the Flags
'And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi. 2. And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months. 3. And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink. 4. And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him. 5. And the daughter of Pharaoh came
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Christ's Prophetic Office
'The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet,' &c. Deut 18:85. Having spoken of the person of Christ, we are next to speak of the offices of Christ. These are Prophetic, Priestly, and Regal. 'The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet.' Enunciatur hic locus de Christo. It is spoken of Christ.' There are several names given to Christ as a Prophet. He is called the Counsellor' in Isa 9:9. In uno Christo Angelus foederis completur [The Messenger of the Covenant appears in Christ alone].
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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