Psalms 17:5

5 My 1steps have held fast to Your paths. My 2feet have not slipped.

Psalms 17:5 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 17:5

Hold up my goings in thy paths
Which being spoken by David in his own person, and for himself, shows that he was conscious of his own weakness to keep himself in the ways of God, and to direct his steps therein; and that he was sensible of, the need he stood in of divine power to uphold and support him in them;

[that] my footsteps slip not;
out of the paths of truth and duty, of faith and holiness; of which there is danger, should a man be left to himself, and destitute of divine direction and aid; see ( Psalms 73:2 ) ( Jeremiah 10:23 ) ; and though Christ had no moral weakness in him, and was in no danger of falling into sin, or slipping out of the ways of God; yet these words may be applied to him in a good sense, as considered in human nature, and attended with the sinless infirmities of it, he being God's servant, whom he upheld, and of whom he gave his angels charge to keep him in all his ways, ( Isaiah 42:1 ) ( Psalms 91:11 ) .

Psalms 17:5 In-Context

3 You have tried my heart; You have visited me by night; You have tested me and You find nothing; I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.
4 As for the deeds of men, by the word of Your lips I have kept from the paths of the violent.
5 My steps have held fast to Your paths. My feet have not slipped.
6 I have called upon You, for You will answer me, O God; Incline Your ear to me, hear my speech.
7 Wondrously show Your lovingkindness, O Savior of those who take refuge at Your right hand From those who rise up against them.

Cross References 2

  • 1. Job 23:11; Psalms 44:18; Psalms 119:133
  • 2. Psalms 18:36; Psalms 37:31

Footnotes 1

New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, California.  All rights reserved.