Psalms 94:22
But the LORD is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֬י
H1961
וַיְהִ֬י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 7
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
יְהוָ֣ה
But the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
But the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וֵ֝אלֹהַ֗י
and my God
H430
וֵ֝אלֹהַ֗י
and my God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
5 of 7
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
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.Psalms 59:9Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence.Psalms 62:6He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.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 9:9The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.Psalms 62:2He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.
Historical Context
Throughout David's life, human defenses proved unreliable—Saul's court turned against him, Absalom's coup nearly succeeded, allies betrayed him. Only God remained consistently trustworthy. The early church learned the same lesson when Roman law offered no protection.
Questions for Reflection
- When human systems fail to protect you, how do you practically take refuge in God?
- What does it mean to have God as your "defence" when facing false accusations or injustice?
- How do the metaphors of "high tower" and "rock" complement each other in describing security?
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Analysis & Commentary
But the LORD is my defence (וַיְהִי יְהוָה לִי לְמִשְׂגָּב, vayehi YHWH li le-misgav)—Misgav means high tower, stronghold, refuge, a place of safety out of enemy reach. And my God is the rock of my refuge (וֵאלֹהַי לְצוּר מַחְסִי, vElohai le-tzur machsi)—Tzur means rock, cliff; machseh means refuge, shelter.
Against conspiracy and condemnation (v. 21), David declares God himself is his defense. Two metaphors (high tower and rock) emphasize security and stability. When human courts fail, divine justice remains. This echoes Psalm 18:2, 31:2-3, 62:2. Hebrews 6:18 applies this to Christians who "flee for refuge" to Christ, our ultimate defense against accusation (Romans 8:33-34).