Be my rock of refuge, where I can always go. Give the command to save me, for You are my rock and my fortress. Be to me a rock of dwellingThe phrase "rock of dwelling" evokes the imagery of stability and permanence. In Hebrew, the word for "rock" is "tsur," which often symbolizes strength and reliability. This metaphorical use of "rock" suggests a place of refuge and safety, much like a fortress. The psalmist is expressing a deep desire for God to be a constant, unmovable presence in his life, a place where he can reside securely. Historically, rocks and caves were used as natural fortresses and places of refuge, which adds a layer of practical understanding to this metaphor. Spiritually, this phrase invites believers to seek God as their eternal home, a place of spiritual rest and security. to which I may continually come
The word "continually" indicates an ongoing, persistent action. It suggests that the psalmist seeks a relationship with God that is not sporadic or temporary but rather constant and enduring. The Hebrew root for "come" is "bo," which implies entering or approaching. This reflects the psalmist's desire for an intimate and ongoing relationship with God, where he can always approach God without hesitation. In a historical context, this continual coming to God can be seen as a reflection of the covenant relationship between God and His people, where God is always accessible to those who seek Him. You have given the command to save me
This phrase highlights God's sovereign authority and His active role in the salvation of His people. The word "command" in Hebrew is "tsavah," which means to appoint or ordain. It underscores the belief that God has decreed salvation for the psalmist, emphasizing divine intervention and assurance. This reflects the biblical theme of God's providence and His commitment to deliver His people. Historically, this can be seen in the context of God's deliverance of Israel from various adversities, reinforcing the trustworthiness of God's promises. for You are my rock and my fortress
Reiterating the metaphor of God as a "rock," the psalmist emphasizes God's unchanging nature and protective strength. The term "fortress" in Hebrew is "metsudah," which refers to a stronghold or a place of defense. This dual imagery of rock and fortress conveys a sense of impregnable security and protection. In the ancient world, fortresses were essential for survival against enemies, and this metaphor would resonate deeply with the original audience. Spiritually, it reassures believers of God's unwavering protection and strength in times of trouble, encouraging them to rely on Him as their ultimate refuge. Persons / Places / Events 1. The PsalmistTraditionally attributed to David, the psalmist is seeking refuge and strength in God, expressing a deep personal relationship with Him. 2. God as a Rock and FortressGod is depicted as a place of safety and protection, emphasizing His reliability and strength. 3. The Act of SalvationThe psalmist acknowledges God's command to save, highlighting divine intervention and deliverance. Teaching Points God as Our Constant RefugeJust as the psalmist seeks God as a dwelling place, we are encouraged to continually seek refuge in Him amidst life's challenges. The Command to SaveGod's command to save is a reminder of His sovereign power and willingness to deliver us from our troubles. The Symbolism of the RockThe imagery of God as a rock signifies His unchanging nature and reliability, encouraging us to build our lives on His steadfastness. Continual Coming to GodThe psalmist's desire to continually come to God highlights the importance of a persistent and ongoing relationship with Him. Trust in God's ProtectionRecognizing God as a fortress assures us of His protection and encourages us to trust Him in times of fear and uncertainty. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of God as a "rock of dwelling" influence your understanding of His role in your life? 2. In what ways can you "continually come" to God in your daily routine, and how does this practice impact your spiritual growth? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's protection as a "fortress." How did this experience strengthen your faith? 4. How do the additional scriptures that describe God as a rock and fortress deepen your understanding of His character? 5. What practical steps can you take to ensure that you are building your life on the solid foundation of God's word, as described in Matthew 7:24-25? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 18:2This verse also describes God as a rock and fortress, reinforcing the imagery of God as a protector. Deuteronomy 32:4Refers to God as the Rock, His works are perfect, emphasizing His unchanging nature and justice. Isaiah 26:4Encourages trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock, linking the concept of eternal security in God. Matthew 7:24-25Jesus speaks of building one's house on the rock, symbolizing the stability and security found in obedience to His teachings. People Psalmist, SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Always, Appointed, Bulwark, Command, Commandment, Continually, Fortress, Habitation, Hast, Refuge, Resort, Rock, Safe, Salvation, Save, Sheltering, Strong, WhereuntoDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 71:3 1240 God, the Rock
4354 rock
5292 defence, divine
5315 fortifications
5490 refuge Psalm 71:1-3 5290 defeat Psalm 71:1-4 8730 enemies, of believers Library December 22. "My Tongue Also Shall Talk of Thy Righteousness all the Day Long" (Ps. Lxxi. 24).
"My tongue also shall talk of Thy righteousness all the day long" (Ps. lxxi. 24). It is a simple law of nature, that air always comes in to fill a vacuum. You can produce a draught at any time, by heating the air until it ascends, and then the cold air rushes in to supply its place. And so we can always be filled with the Holy Spirit by providing a vacuum. This breath is dependent upon exhausting the previous breath before you can inhale a fresh one. And so we must empty our hearts of the last breath …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth More and More
David had not been slack in praise: indeed, he was a sweet singer in Israel, a very choir-master unto the Lord yet he vowed to praise him more and more. Those who do much already, are usually the people who can do more. He was old. Would he praise God more when he was infirm than he had done when he was young and vigorous? If he could not excel with loudness of voice, yet would he with eagerness of heart; and what his praise might lack in sound, it should gain in solemn earnestness. He was in trouble …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871 Of Four Things which Bring Great Peace
"My Son, now will I teach thee the way of peace and of true liberty." 2. Do, O my Lord, as Thou sayest, for this is pleasing unto me to hear. 3. "Strive, My Son, to do another's will rather than thine own. Choose always to have less rather than more. Seek always after the lowest place, and to be subject to all. Wish always and pray that the will of God be fulfilled in thee. Behold, such a man as this entereth into the inheritance of peace and quietness." 4. O my Lord, this Thy short discourse …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ Of the Day of Eternity and of the Straitnesses of this Life
Oh most blessed mansion of the City which is above! Oh most clear day of eternity which the night obscureth not, but the Supreme Truth ever enlighteneth! Day always joyful, always secure and never changing its state into those which are contrary. Oh would that this day might shine forth, and that all these temporal things would come to an end. It shineth indeed upon the Saints, glowing with unending brightness, but only from afar and through a glass, upon those who are pilgrims on the earth. …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ For Old Age. --Ps. Lxxi.
For Old Age.--Ps. lxxi. Lord, I have put my trust in Thee, Turn not my confidence to shame; Thy promise is a rock to me, A tower of refuge is Thy name. Thou hast upheld me from the womb; Thou wert my strength and hope in youth; Now trembling, bending o'er the tomb, I lean upon Thine arm of truth. Though I have long outlived my peers, And stand amid the world alone, (A stranger left by former years), I know my God,--by Him am known. Cast me not off in mine old age, Forsake me not in my last hour; …
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns They all Hold Swords, Being Expert in War; Every Man Hath his Sword Upon his Thigh Because of Fear in the Night.
They all hold swords to engage in combat with the soul which, by a secret presumption, attributes to self what belongs to God only; and this causes them to exclaim with united voice; Who is like unto God? The Divine Righteousness is the first that comes to fight with and destroy the self-righteousness of the creature, and then comes strength to bring to naught the power of man, and causing him to enter by experience of his own infinite weakness into the strength of the Lord (Psalm lxxi. 16), teaches …
Madame Guyon—Song of Songs of Solomon Letter Xlv (Circa A. D. 1140) to the Canons of Lyons, on the Conception of S. Mary.
To the Canons of Lyons, on the Conception of S. Mary. Bernard states that the Festival of the Conception was new; that it rested on no legitimate foundation; and that it should not have been instituted without consulting the Apostolic See, to whose opinion he submits. 1. It is well known that among all the Churches of France that of Lyons is first in importance, whether we regard the dignity of its See, its praiseworthy regulations, or its honourable zeal for learning. Where was there ever the vigour …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux The Baptismal Covenant Can be Kept Unbroken. Aim and Responsibility of Parents.
We have gone "to the Law and to the Testimony" to find out what the nature and benefits of Baptism are. We have gathered out of the Word all the principal passages bearing on this subject. We have grouped them together, and studied them side by side. We have noticed that their sense is uniform, clear, and strong. Unless we are willing to throw aside all sound principles of interpretation, we can extract from the words of inspiration only one meaning, and that is that the baptized child is, by virtue …
G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church But Concerning True Patience, Worthy of the Name of this virtue...
12. But concerning true patience, worthy of the name of this virtue, whence it is to be had, must now be inquired. For there are some [2650] who attribute it to the strength of the human will, not which it hath by Divine assistance, but which it hath of free-will. Now this error is a proud one: for it is the error of them which abound, of whom it is said in the Psalm, "A scornful reproof to them which abound, and a despising to the proud." [2651] It is not therefore that "patience of the poor" which …
St. Augustine—On Patience The Christian's Hope
Scripture references: 1 Timothy 1:1; Colossians 1:27; Psalm 130:5; 43:5; Proverbs 10:8; Acts 24:15; Psalm 71:5; Romans 5:1-5; 12:12; 15:4; 1 Corinthians 9:10; Galatians 5:5; Ephesians 1:18; Philippians 1:20; Colossians 1:5; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 2:19; Titus 1:2; 2:13; 3:7; Psalm 31:24; 71:14,15. HOPE IN THE PRESENT LIFE That which a man ardently hopes for he strives to realize. If he desires fame, office or wealth he will seek to set forces in motion, here and now, which will bring him that which …
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian Let Thus Much have Been Said with Regard to Charity...
20. Let thus much have been said with regard to charity, without which in us there cannot be true patience, because in good men it is the love of God which endureth all things, as in bad men the lust of the world. But this love is in us by the Holy Spirit which was given us. Whence, of Whom cometh in us love, of Him cometh patience. But the lust of the world, when it patiently bears the burdens of any manner of calamity, boasts of the strength of its own will, like as of the stupor of disease, not …
St. Augustine—On Patience Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 71:3 NIVPsalm 71:3 NLTPsalm 71:3 ESVPsalm 71:3 NASBPsalm 71:3 KJV
Psalm 71:3 Commentaries
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