2 Samuel 22:34 kjv
He maketh my feet like hinds' feet: and setteth me upon my high places.
2 Samuel 22:34 nkjv
He makes my feet like the feet of deer, And sets me on my high places.
2 Samuel 22:34 niv
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights.
2 Samuel 22:34 esv
He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights.
2 Samuel 22:34 nlt
He makes me as surefooted as a deer,
enabling me to stand on mountain heights.
2 Samuel 22 34 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Psa 18:33 | He makes my feet like the feet of deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. | Identical parallel of divine enablement. |
| Hab 3:19 | The Lord God is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places. | Direct parallel, emphasizes divine strength. |
| Deut 33:29 | …you will tread upon their high places. | Israel's conquest and secure dominion. |
| Psa 27:1 | The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life... | God as ultimate strength and refuge. |
| Psa 46:1 | God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. | God provides powerful, accessible help. |
| Psa 9:9 | The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. | God as secure high place of refuge. |
| Psa 91:1-2 | Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress..." | Secure dwelling in God's protection. |
| Psa 37:23-24 | The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall... | God establishes and upholds one's steps. |
| Isa 40:31 | ...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. | Divine renewal of strength and perseverance. |
| Phil 4:13 | I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. | Empowerment through Christ. |
| Psa 84:5-7 | Blessed are those whose strength is in you... they go from strength to strength... | Progressive spiritual strength and journey. |
| Prov 4:18 | The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. | Progressive spiritual illumination/journey. |
| Isa 58:14 | ...then you will find your joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride in triumph on the heights of the land... | Riding on "high places" as sign of triumph. |
| Eph 6:10 | Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. | Drawing strength from God. |
| 1 Cor 10:13 | No temptation has overtaken you... God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear... | God provides enablement to endure trials. |
| Rom 8:37 | No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. | Victory through divine enablement. |
| Psa 121:1-2 | I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord... | Help for challenging paths comes from God. |
| Heb 12:1-2 | ...let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us... fixing our eyes on Jesus... | Endurance in faith through Christ's example. |
| Psa 144:1 | Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. | God's direct training and empowerment. |
| Luke 10:19 | I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy... | Spiritual authority and victory given by Christ. |
| Psa 71:5 | For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. | Confidence and trust rooted in God. |
2 Samuel 22 verses
2 Samuel 22 34 Meaning
This verse declares God's divine empowerment, likening His enablement to a deer's ability to traverse difficult terrain with agility and stability. It conveys that God grants the strength, speed, and sure-footedness to overcome obstacles and establishes His people in positions of security, victory, and spiritual elevation. It speaks of divine assistance in navigating life's challenges, leading to a firm and secure standing.
2 Samuel 22 34 Context
This verse is part of David's lengthy song of deliverance found in 2 Samuel 22, which is nearly identical to Psalm 18. This psalm serves as David's great thanksgiving hymn to the Lord for rescuing him from all his enemies, especially from the hand of Saul (2 Sam 22:1). Composed likely late in David's reign, it reflects on a lifetime of God's unwavering faithfulness in trials, conflicts, and moments of profound danger. The psalm moves from dire distress and a cry for help (22:4-7), through God's powerful intervention (22:8-19), to the resulting victory and David's righteous conduct (22:20-30), culminating in a celebration of God's perfect ways and enablement (22:31-46).
Verse 34 specifically fits within the section where David extols God's empowering strength and protection, attributing all his victories and his secure standing to the Lord alone. The "high places" refer metaphorically to positions of security, triumph, or strategic advantage, often difficult for enemies to reach, and not to the idolatrous cultic sites. The imagery evokes the ancient warrior navigating rugged, mountainous terrain, signifying God's ability to give His servant extraordinary agility and firmness where others would stumble or be trapped.
2 Samuel 22 34 Word analysis
- He makes (יַשְׁוֶה yashweh): From the verb šāwāh, meaning "to make level," "to compare," or "to set in order." Here, it signifies God's active role in transforming David's feet or capabilities. It implies divine initiation and complete enablement.
- my feet (רַגְלַי raglay): Refers to the physical feet, but symbolically represents one's walk, progress, stability, and path in life. The focus is on the instrument of movement and standing.
- like the feet of deer (כְּאַיָּלוֹת kĕ'ayyālôt): אַיָּלָה ('ayyālâ) is the Hebrew term for a female deer or hind. Hinds are renowned for their remarkable agility, grace, swiftness, and ability to navigate treacherous, rocky, and steep mountain paths with great ease and stability where other creatures would struggle. This simile highlights not just speed, but also sure-footedness, balance, and endurance in challenging environments. It speaks of a natural dexterity and resilience, now supernaturally bestowed by God.
- and sets me (וַיַּעֲמִדֵנִי wayyaʿamîdenî): From the verb ʿāmad, meaning "to stand," "to establish," or "to place." It indicates God's purposeful action in establishing or settling David. It implies permanence, security, and a position of authority or advantage.
- on my high places (עַל־בָּמוֹתַי ʿal-bāmōtāy): The word בָּמָה (bāmâ) literally means "high place" or "height." In this context, given the general meaning of "secure strongholds" in a militaristic psalm, it denotes strategic, elevated locations like mountain fortresses, places of refuge, or victorious positions where one is safe from enemies. It metaphorically refers to positions of spiritual triumph, security, and exalted status where the believer can stand firm against adversity. This contrasts with the pagan "high places" used for idolatry; here, it signifies elevation by God for Him.
2 Samuel 22 34 Bonus section
The metaphor of the "hind's feet" is exceptionally rich, pointing to qualities such as a lightness of spirit in trials, not being weighed down by despair, and possessing a spiritual elasticity that allows one to bounce back from setbacks. It suggests a journey that progresses upwards, always reaching higher ground under God's guidance, transforming valleys into vantage points. The verse, viewed typologically, also foreshadows Christ's journey through earthly trials to His glorious ascension and seating at the right hand of God – the ultimate "high place." It is a powerful affirmation of God’s sovereign grace in not merely saving, but actively perfecting and establishing His beloved in unwavering security and triumph.
2 Samuel 22 34 Commentary
2 Samuel 22:34 encapsulates a powerful testimony of divine enablement and steadfastness. David, often depicted as a warrior king constantly embroiled in conflict, understood intimately the need for agility and secure footing. This verse proclaims that God supernaturally bestows these qualities, transforming human limitations. The imagery of the "hind's feet" speaks volumes: it is not just about raw strength, but about nimble sure-footedness, the ability to maneuver gracefully and securely even on precipitous terrain. God makes the believer not just strong, but strategically adept and stable in the midst of life's unpredictable, often "high-place" challenges.
Furthermore, being "set on high places" signifies not only refuge from enemies but also a position of elevated understanding, perspective, and spiritual authority. It is God who lifts the humble and establishes them in places of safety and prominence. This enablement is not merely for escape, but for purposeful advancement and triumphant living. It conveys God’s active intervention in perfecting His servant’s ability to navigate the complexities of life, moving beyond merely surviving to thriving and ruling in His name. It provides an assurance that whatever mountain or challenge lies ahead, the Lord provides the agility to scale it and the stability to stand firm at its summit.
Practical applications:
- In times of overwhelming difficulty, pray for spiritual agility and sure-footedness, knowing God enables navigating treacherous paths.
- Acknowledge God as the source of stability when facing personal "high places" like leadership responsibilities or challenging situations.
- Trust that God not only protects but also equips with unique abilities to move forward where others falter.