You Are My Rock and Fortress

(Ps. 71:3)

Mike Johnson

After expressing to God that he trusted Him, the psalmist continues in verse 3: “Be my strong refuge, to which I may resort continually; You have given the commandment to save me, for You are my rock and my fortress.” He wants God to be his dependable, constantly accessible, strong refuge to whom he can continually come — he wants Him to be his rock and fortress.

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.” As might be expected, the term is primarily used in the book of Psalms, a book of poetry that 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” (Ps. 18:2). Also, Psalm 46:1-3 encourages God’s people as it says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling.”

The use of this metaphor, however, 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.” Also, with some of his final words, he referred to God as “the Rock of Israel” (2 Sam. 21:3).

What does this figure of speech  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 the same relationship with God. Is God your rock and your fortress?