Psalms 71:3
Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.
Original Language Analysis
הֱיֵ֤ה
H1961
הֱיֵ֤ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 12
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְצ֥וּר
Be thou my strong
H6697
לְצ֥וּר
Be thou my strong
Strong's:
H6697
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)
מָע֡וֹן
habitation
H4583
מָע֡וֹן
habitation
Strong's:
H4583
Word #:
4 of 12
an abode, of god (the tabernacle or the temple), men (their home) or animals (their lair); hence, a retreat (asylum)
תָּמִ֗יד
whereunto I may continually
H8548
תָּמִ֗יד
whereunto I may continually
Strong's:
H8548
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re
צִוִּ֥יתָ
thou hast given commandment
H6680
צִוִּ֥יתָ
thou hast given commandment
Strong's:
H6680
Word #:
7 of 12
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
לְהוֹשִׁיעֵ֑נִי
to save
H3467
לְהוֹשִׁיעֵ֑נִי
to save
Strong's:
H3467
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
9 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
סַלְעִ֖י
me for thou art my rock
H5553
סַלְעִ֖י
me for thou art my rock
Strong's:
H5553
Word #:
10 of 12
a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)
Cross References
Psalms 18:2The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.Proverbs 18:10The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.Psalms 91:9Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;Deuteronomy 33:27The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.Isaiah 33:16He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.Psalms 44:4Thou art my King, O God: command deliverances for Jacob.Psalms 42:8Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.Psalms 68:28Thy God hath commanded thy strength: strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us.Psalms 144:2My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.Psalms 90:1Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.
Historical Context
David's wilderness exile provided literal experience of caves and fortresses as refuge. These physical sanctuaries illustrated the greater spiritual reality of God Himself as ultimate safety.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you make 'continual resort' to God a daily practice, not just crisis response?
- What does it mean that God has commanded your salvation—how does divine decree ensure your security?
- In what ways is God both your foundation (rock) and your protection (fortress)?
Analysis & Commentary
The prayer for God to be a 'strong habitation' portrays Him as fortress and dwelling place—both protection and home. 'Whereunto I may continually resort' suggests regular, ongoing refuge, not occasional crisis visits. God has 'given commandment to save me'—divine decree ensures deliverance. 'My rock and my fortress' combines immovability with defensive strength. God is simultaneously secure foundation and protective stronghold, perfectly safe shelter from all threats.