What does Psalms 105:18 mean?

Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: Psalms 105:18

Explanation

The verse in question, “Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron,” from Psalms 105:18 (KJV), describes the affliction befalling an individual who has been subjected to physical restraint and suffering. The “feet” and “fetters” imagery conjures the pain and restriction of movement due to being chained, while “laid in iron” symbolizes a condition of enduring harsh imprisonment or bondage. While the verse can be understood literally as depicting physical torment, it also encapsulates themes of spiritual endurance, trust in divine justice, and the anticipation of eventual deliverance.

Historical Context

This verse is part of Psalm 105, which is a historical psalm reiterating the faithfulness of God to His covenant and His ongoing relationship with the people of Israel. Though the psalm does not specify the individual, this verse is traditionally understood as referring to Joseph, son of Jacob, whose story is recounted in the book of Genesis. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, later falsely accused and imprisoned in Egypt. The historical context is thus rooted in the experiences of the Hebrew people, and in particular, the narrative of Joseph’s suffering and eventual elevation to power in Egypt.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse suggests a number of key concepts:

• Suffering and Providence: It underscores the idea that difficult circumstances and suffering may be part of a greater divine plan, which can lead to growth, redemption, or fulfillment of God’s promises.
• God’s Omnipotence: It reinforces the belief in God’s control over all situations, even when His people are in distress.
• Trial and Redemption: This narrative arc from bondage to redemption is seen as a precursor to the larger redemptive history that plays out in the narrative of the Israelites’ Exodus from Egypt, and in Christian theology, is analogous to the redemptive work of Christ.

Practical Applications

This verse speaks to the human condition in times of adversity and injustice. Practically, it can inspire individuals to:

• Maintain faith and hope during personal trials.
• Recognize that difficult experiences may be part of a larger story of growth and deliverance.
• Cultivate resilience and patience in the face of hardship.
• Work towards justice for others who are oppressed or in bondage.

Cross-References

• Genesis 39:20 – “And Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.”
• Genesis 40:3 – “And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound.”
• Job 36:8 – “And if they be bound in fetters, and be holden in cords of affliction;”

Language Study

In the Hebrew text, the words used in this verse have specific connotations:

• “Feet” (רַגְלָיו, regláv) – denoting the physical feet but also representative of a person’s path or life course.
• “Hurt” (עֻנּ֣וּ, ‘innû) – a term implying affliction or being brought low.
• “Fetters” (בְּכֶ֑בֶל, bechevel) – refers to metal shackles or restraints.
• “Laid in iron” (בַּרְזֶ֣ל, barzel) – suggesting not only physical chains but potentially a condition of enduring hardship or strength in trials.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Similar themes of unjust imprisonment and eventual vindication are found in other cultural and religious texts:

• The Epic of Gilgamesh features Enkidu being shackled before his eventual release.
• The Egyptian story of the “Tale of two brothers” portrays wrongful imprisonment and recognition of innocence.
• In Greek mythology, Prometheus was bound to a rock as a punishment, exhibiting the theme of enduring suffering.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse is deeply rooted in metaphysical and spiritual narratives, modern science does not typically intersect with its themes. However, the physical and psychological effects of imprisonment, shackling, and the human capacity for resilience are explored in various fields such as medicine, psychology, and sociology.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer varied insights on this verse:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes the providential purposes of God through Joseph’s afflictions, seeing a divine hand in his eventual exaltation.
• The Geneva Study Bible notes the patience and trust in God’s promises that are exemplified through Joseph’s experience.
• John Wesley notes this as evidence of God’s people often being in affliction but not forgotten by God, foreshadowing the future suffering of Christ for humankind.