The translator should feel free to begin verse 8 as a new sentence, as Good News Translation and others do. The language is that of a hunt, in which the psalmist’s enemies are trying to capture him. The language here is conventional for this kind of psalm, and nothing may be inferred with any certainty concerning the specific nature of the danger the psalmist was in.

The verb phrase hast not delivered me is a strong negative affirmation of Yahweh’s protection and care. However Yahweh did it, he kept the psalmist safe from his enemies.

For the figure thou hast set my feet in a broad place, see comments on 18.19. This expression may be translated in some languages by idiomatic terms; for example, “you have untied my ropes” or “you have removed my wall.”

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Reyburn, William D. A Handbook on the Book of Psalms. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1991. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .