Ps. 31:1-4; 144:1-2, God Our Refuge (2)

We are continuing with word definitions from the OT that show us how God is our refuge.

i)      From Ps. 31:1-4:

(1)                        Refuge (2620).  Deliver (6403). Fortress (v2-3, 4686).  Rock (5553).

(2)                        Rock of refuge (v2) and refuge (v4) (4581), maoz.  A place of strength, stronghold.

ii)   From Ps. 144:1-2:

(1)                        Rock (6697).  Loving God.  Fortress (4686).  Stronghold (4869).  Deliverer (6403).  Shield (4043).  Refuge (2620).

iii)            Another term is ”defense” (6965, Ps. 59:1), to be put up high, out of reach.

iv) We would suggest 5 main terms.

(1)                        Refuge (2620): a place of shelter.

(2)                        Refuge (4498): a place to which we can flee.

(3)                        Rock of refuge (4581): a place of strength.

(4)                        Stronghold (4869): an inaccessible place.

(5)                        Fortress (4686): a catch all, various strengths are found there.

b)    Picture definitions (other aspects of God’s protection seen in pictures):

i)      Under His wings (Ruth 2:12; Ps. 36:7; 61:4; 91:4).

ii)   The Cave of Adullum (1 Sam. 22:4-5).

iii)            Jerusalem (2 Sam. 5:7,9).  The mountains around Jerusalem made it a fearful place journey to as a pilgrim (Ps. 121:1). But when you arrived, the same hills provided refuge from enemies.

iv) Eagles nest (Job 39:28).

v)    Strong tower (Ps.61:3).  Unwalled communities often had strong towers to which a large number of people could flee.

vi) Mighty Rock (Ps. 62:7).  The term above for a massive rock.

vii)          Strong city (Isa. 26:1).  The term “refuge” when referring to “cities of refuge” is not used of God.  They provided asylum for those guilty of manslaughter but not murder.  Also, the term for “walled” cities is not used of God.  He could destroy these and they could be a problem for a city under a prolonged siege.

viii)       Rock (5553 above, the rock with a crack where a person can hide).

ix) Shield (4043 above).  There is another term for shield that refers to a rectangular, full-length protection.  The smaller shield made it easier to hold with one hand while fighting with the other.

In addition to “cities of refuge” and “walled cities,” the term “high place” (bama, 1116) in the OT was not used of God’s refuge.  It came to be associated with the place of idolatry.