Interpretation of the Bible / Psalm 18:35-36

In Psalm 18, King David expresses gratitude to God for the salvation He granted him in various difficult situations. In verses 35-36, David uses the metaphor of a shield to describe how God protected and supported him in times of danger.

The meaning of the shield of salvation

In ancient times, a shield was an important protective item, as it represented the first line of defense against physical attacks. However, in these verses, the shield of God's salvation refers not to a physical object, but to the spiritual protection God provides His children. In other words, God protects His children not only in physical situations but also from spiritual threats.

The right hand of God

Furthermore, David mentions that God's right hand supported him, hinting that God directly assisted him. The right hand was a symbol of strength and authority in biblical culture. Therefore, God's right hand symbolizes His power and authority to protect and help His children.

God's grace

David continues the verse by declaring that God's grace has made him great. Grace implies God's goodness and mercy. David recognizes that it was through God's goodness and mercy that he was protected and sustained. He attributes his salvation not to himself, but to God.

My ankles do not give way

This expression can be interpreted both literally and symbolically. Literally, it speaks of how God guards our steps and prevents us from stumbling. Symbolically, it can be understood as how God helps us overcome obstacles and gives us the necessary impetus to move forward.

In this interpretation, "widening" our steps can mean providing us with more opportunities, greater strength, and greater security. God helps us move forward in life and provides everything we need to avoid falls. He is our support and our guide, and we can be confident that He will always be there to help us when we need Him.