Psalm 141, “hasa,” the LORD our Refuge

There are several Hebrew words that speak of our “refuge.”  This is one of them.  In the NKJV “hasa” is translated refuge (Ps. 57:1), but is most frequently translated “trust” (2 Sam. 22:31).  The picture is of a place where there is protection in danger.  Even if the translation is “trust,” the picture is, trust in the LORD by being in the place where He protects.

·       Dt. 32:37: we seek refuge in the “rock” (our god/God).  This first use is major as it is the “Song of Moses,” the promise of God never to fully destroy Israel.  Whenever you see God referred to as the “Rock” in the OT, the writer is taking you back to this song. 

·       Judges 9:15: the bramble tells the trees to take shelter in my shade.

·       Ruth 2:12: Ruth, by staying with Naomi, had taken refuge under the wings of the LORD God of Israel.  Ps. 36:7; 57:1; 61:4; 91:4 also refer to the “wings,” the wings of the cherubim over the ark, God’s footstool or resting place.

·       2 Sam. 22:3,31/Ps. 18:2,30 (this Psalm is recorded twice): “the God of my strength” in whom I trust (refuge later in 22:3 is manos, to flee, a refuge involving escape from the danger; Ps. 18:2 reads different and does not include manos). God, whose way is perfect and word is proven, is a shield to all who put their trust in Him.  Staying in His way, obeying His word, keeps us in the refuge (cf. also Prov. 30:5).

·       Ps. 2:12; 5:11; 7:1; 11:1; 16:1; 17:7; 25:20; 31:1,19; 34:8,22; 37:40: these “Book I” Psalms speak of the blessedness of putting your trust in the Son and in the LORD.  Other similar Psalms include 64:10; 71:1. Here is a simple study for hasa: 1)What kind of people put their trust in the Lord?  2) What blessings await those who put their trust in the Lord? 

·       Ps. 118:8,9: better to trust in the LORD than to “put confidence in” (another Hebrew word for trust or hope, batah) man, princes.

·       Ps. 141:8: my eyes are upon You, in You I take refuge.

·       Ps. 144:2: a collection of “hope” terms: My lovingkindness, fortress, high tower, deliverer, shield, in whom I take refuge. 

·       Pr. 14:32: the righteous have a refuge in his death.

·       Isa. 14:32: Israel will say, “the LORD has founded Zion, and the poor of His people shall take refuge in it.

·       Isa. 30:2: to trust in the shade of Egypt is a false trust.

·       Isa. 57:13: idols are useless, but he who puts his trust in the LORD will possess the land and inherit My holy mountain.

·       Nahum 1:7: the LORD knows those who trust in Him.

·       Zep. 3:12: the meek and humble remnant shall trust in the name of the LORD.