While imprisoned for smuggling Bibles, David received a divine promise of miraculous release – a word confirmed through Psalm 35. Yet, seeing that promise fulfilled required persistent faith and prayer.
In Psalm 35:18, King David writes: “I will give You thanks in the great congregation.”
That was where faith truly came alive for me. Standing in that prison cell, I leapt to my feet and declared, “Lord, that’s the answer!” David spoke of giving thanks in a great congregation, and while it demanded immense faith to believe that for my own life, I embraced it wholeheartedly.
A few days later, as I continued meditating on God's promise, I prayed boldly: “Lord, if You are going to perform such a great miracle, consider my birthday, which falls four days before Easter. Release me on my birthday. If You can perform one miracle, You can surely perform another. If this is Your will, confirm it through another psalm that specifically speaks of freeing those in chains.”
When I opened to Psalm 68:6, I read these words: “God sets the solitary in families; He brings out those who are bound into prosperity [chains].”
I cried out, “Lord, that is the exact verse!”
Miraculous Prison Release: How David Hathaway Used Scripture and Faith
While imprisoned in 1972 for smuggling Bibles into the Soviet Bloc, British evangelist David Hathaway received a promise of miraculous release. By pairing bold prayer with specific biblical promises from the Book of Psalms, his release was secured through faith and international intervention.
The Scriptural Foundation for Hathaway's Release
David Hathaway anchored his prayers on two specific biblical texts that addressed imprisonment and public testimony:
Psalm 35:18 – The Promise of Freedom: “I will give You thanks in the great congregation.” Hathaway recognized this as a promise that he would survive prison to testify before large crowds.
Psalm 68:6 – The Timeline and Confirmation: “God sets the solitary in families; He brings out those who are bound into prosperity [chains].” Hathaway prayed for release on his birthday (four days before Easter); this verse served as direct confirmation.
The Account: From Confinement to Divine Deliverance
"That was where faith truly came alive for me. Standing in that prison cell, I leapt to my feet and declared, 'Lord, that’s the answer!' David spoke of giving thanks in a great congregation, and while it demanded immense faith to believe that for my own life, I embraced it wholeheartedly."
A few days later, while continuing to meditate on God's promise, Hathaway made a specific petition:
“Lord, if You are going to perform such a great miracle, consider my birthday, which falls four days before Easter. Release me on my birthday. If You can perform one miracle, You can surely perform another. If this is Your will, confirm it through another psalm that specifically speaks of freeing those in chains.”
Upon opening the Bible to Psalm 68:6, he read the words confirming release for those in chains, cementing his conviction that divine intervention was imminent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which Bible verses did David Hathaway stand on while in prison?
David Hathaway relied primarily on Psalm 35:18, which promised public thanksgiving in a congregation, and Psalm 68:6, which confirmed that God frees prisoners bound in chains.
Why did David pray for release on his birthday?
Seeking a double confirmation of God's power, Hathaway asked to be released on his birthday – four days before Easter – as a direct sign of divine will.
What core lessons on faith does this account teach?
Specific Prayer: Presenting clear, bold requests to God rather than vague petitions.
Scriptural Anchoring: Verifying personal impressions against specific Bible passages.
Expectant Praise: Believing in the fulfillment of a promise before physical circumstances change.