Book of Psalms - Chapter 118 - Verse 5

When the psalmist says "I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place," they are expressing their experience of calling upon God in a time of trouble and being delivered into a place of abundance and safety. This verse highlights the psalmist's faith in God's ability to hear their prayers and respond in times of distress. It serves as a reminder of the power of calling upon the Lord for help in times of need, and the reassurance that God is always ready to answer and provide a way out of difficult situations. The imagery of being set in a large place signifies being placed in a position of freedom, peace, and prosperity, away from the constraints and limitations of the distress they were facing. Overall, this verse speaks to the psalmist's trust in God's faithfulness and willingness to come to their aid when they call upon Him in times of distress.

One theological interpretation of this verse is that it highlights the importance of calling upon the Lord in times of distress. The psalmist, in his distress, turned to the Lord for help, demonstrating his faith and dependence on God. The response from the Lord, to answer and set the psalmist in a large place, signifies God's faithfulness and provision to those who seek Him in prayer. The act of calling upon the Lord denotes a direct communication with God, acknowledging His sovereignty and ability to intervene in human affairs. The phrase "set me in a large place" can be interpreted metaphorically as being delivered from confinement, trouble, or limitation, and being placed in a position of freedom, abundance, and security through God's intervention.

Word studies on this verse can delve into the nuances of the terms used, such as "distress," which can refer to a state of great trouble or suffering. Understanding the depth of distress the psalmist was in can shed light on the intensity of his prayer and the magnitude of God's response. The word "answered" can also be examined to reveal the immediacy and effectiveness of God's response to the psalmist's plea. The phrase "set me in a large place" can be further explored by looking at the implications of being placed in a spacious or broad expanse, signifying not only physical deliverance but also spiritual freedom and expansion.