My Rock & My Fortress

(Psalm 31:2-3)

Mike Johnson

In Psalm 31:2-3, David appeals to God, saying, “. . .  Be my rock of refuge, a fortress of defense to save me.  For You are my rock and my fortress; therefore, for Your name’s sake, lead me and guide me.”

The word “rock” is used figuratively in various places in the Scriptures to describe God.  The writers refer to Him as the “rock of my salvation,” “a rock or refuge,” or simply a “rock.”  The term is primarily used, as might be expected, in the book of Psalms, which is a book of poetry and uses figurative language.  In another Psalm, for instance, David wrote, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (18:2).

However, the use goes beyond Psalms.  Moses, for example, referred to God as a “rock” several times in Deuteronomy 32 in what is known as “The Song of Moses.”  In verses 3-4, he exclaims, “For I proclaim the name of the Lord: Ascribe greatness to our God.  He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He . . . .”  Also, Hannah spoke of God, saying, “No one is holy like the Lord, For there is none besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God” (1 Sam. 2:2). Elsewhere, in 2 Samuel 22:2-3, again, David composed a song on the day when he was delivered from all his enemies and from Saul, in which he said God was his “rock” and “fortress.”  In some of his final words, he referred to God as “the Rock of Israel” (2 Sam. 21:3).

What does this figure of speech (metaphor) mean?  The idea is that God is like a rock––He is like a fortress.  A rock is durable and stable; strong forts were built of stones, providing protection.  Thus, God was his protector, his strength, and his refuge.  Today, people can have that same relationship with God.  Is God your rock and your fortress?