Psalms 71:3

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Be thou my strong {H6697} habitation {H4583}, whereunto I may continually {H8548} resort {H935}{H8800)}: thou hast given commandment {H6680}{H8765)} to save {H3467}{H8687)} me; for thou art my rock {H5553} and my fortress {H4686}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Be for me a sheltering rock, where I can always come. You have determined to save me, because you are my bedrock and stronghold.

Berean Standard Bible

Be my rock of refuge, where I can always go. Give the command to save me, for You are my rock and my fortress.

American Standard Version

Be thou to me a rock of habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: Thou hast given commandment to save me; For thou art my rock and my fortress.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 71:3 is a fervent prayer from an aged psalmist, likely King David, who seeks God's unwavering presence and protection amidst life's challenges and adversaries. The verse profoundly expresses a deep, lifelong trust in God, appealing to Him as an unshakeable refuge and a secure dwelling place. It affirms God's active will and faithfulness to deliver, portraying Him as a steadfast "rock" and "fortress" to whom the believer can continually resort for safety, vindication, and enduring security.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 71 is a poignant prayer of an aged individual, traditionally associated with King David in his later years, facing the vulnerabilities of old age and the persistent threats of adversaries. It follows Psalm 70, a desperate plea for swift deliverance, and transitions into a broader appeal for God's justice and vindication. Verse 3, with its plea for God to be a "strong habitation" and a place of continual resort, establishes the psalmist's profound reliance on God from the outset. This reliance is not new but rooted in a lifetime of God's faithfulness, as highlighted in subsequent verses (e.g., [the psalmist's trust from youth](/psalms/71-5-6 "Psalms 71:5-6 - Trust from Youth")). The psalmist's plea for refuge sets the stage for the recurring themes of divine protection, vindication, and the declaration of God's righteous acts throughout the psalm, culminating in a promise to declare God's righteousness to future generations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of "rock" and "fortress" is deeply rooted in the ancient Near Eastern landscape and military realities. Israel, a land of rugged terrain, wadis, and natural caves, often saw these geographical features used as literal strongholds and places of refuge during times of war or persecution. David himself, as a fugitive from Saul, famously hid in caves and strongholds (e.g., [David in the Cave of Adullam](/1_samuel/22-1 "1 Samuel 22:1 - David in the Cave of Adullam"), [David in the Cave of En Gedi](/1_samuel/24-1 "1 Samuel 24:1 - David in the Cave of En Gedi")). Culturally, the concept of a "habitation" or "dwelling" (Hebrew: *ma'on*) also carried connotations of a secure, permanent home, often associated with the divine presence, as seen in the tabernacle and temple. The "commandment to save" reflects a covenantal understanding of God's faithfulness to His people, where His word is binding and effective, echoing the divine decrees that establish and sustain creation.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 71:3 encapsulates several overarching themes of the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully articulates the theme of **Divine Refuge and Security**, portraying God as an impregnable sanctuary and an unshakeable foundation, a theme echoed in many psalms of lament and trust, such as [Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - God My Rock and Fortress"). Secondly, the phrase "whereunto I may continually resort" emphasizes **Continuous Dependence and Intimacy** with God, highlighting a lifestyle of sustained prayer and reliance, not merely in crisis but as an ongoing relationship. This resonates with the New Testament call to [pray without ceasing](/1_thessalonians/5-17 "1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Pray Without Ceasing"). Thirdly, "thou hast given commandment to save me" underscores **God's Active Will and Faithfulness** to deliver His servant, rooted in His character and past actions, demonstrating His sovereign power and covenantal commitment. Finally, the imagery of "rock" and "fortress" reinforces **God's Immutability and Reliability**, portraying Him as an enduring, unchanging source of stability in a volatile world, a concept fundamental to the trust expressed throughout [the book of Psalms](/psalms/1 "The Book of Psalms").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Habitation (Hebrew, _mâʻôwn'_):** This term (H4583) signifies an abode, dwelling place, or retreat. It suggests a secure, permanent residence where one can find safety, rest, and intimacy, applicable to God's dwelling (Tabernacle/Temple), human homes, or even animal lairs. In this context, it portrays God not just as a temporary shelter, but as the very "home" of the psalmist's soul, a place of belonging and constant access.
* **Rock (Hebrew, _çelaʻ'_):** Denotes a craggy rock, a cliff, or a massive stone formation (H5553). In biblical imagery, *çelaʻ* conveys stability, strength, and an unyielding foundation. It speaks to God's unwavering character, His immutability, and His steadfastness, providing an unshakeable base upon which the psalmist can stand securely amidst life's uncertainties and the assaults of adversaries.
* **Fortress (Hebrew, _mâtsûwd'_):** Refers to a fastness, a stronghold, or a castle (H4686). This term emphasizes defense, protection from enemies, and a secure place of retreat. It highlights God's active role as a defender, one who provides impenetrable security against all external threats, ensuring the safety and preservation of His people. It implies a strategic and powerful defense.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be thou my strong habitation":** This is a direct, imperative prayer, a heartfelt plea. The psalmist desires God Himself to be his dwelling place, his secure and impenetrable home. The accompanying Hebrew word for "strong" (H6697, *tsûwr*, meaning "cliff" or "refuge") intensifies the sense of impenetrable security and divine power inherent in this spiritual abode. It's an invitation for God's presence to be the very essence of his safety and belonging, a place of constant, intimate refuge.
* **"whereunto I may continually resort":** This clause expresses the psalmist's longing for uninterrupted access to God's presence and protection. "Continually" (H8548, *tâmîyd*, meaning "constant" or "perpetual") and "resort" (H935, *bôwʼ*, meaning "to come" or "to enter") signify a lifestyle of constant prayer, communion, and reliance, not just in moments of crisis, but as an ongoing, intimate relationship with his divine refuge. It speaks to an unceasing turning to God for all needs.
* **"thou hast given commandment to save me":** This is a powerful declaration of faith, rooted in God's character and past actions. The psalmist believes God has issued a definitive, authoritative decree (H6680, *tsâvâh*, meaning "to enjoin" or "to command") to deliver him (H3467, *yâshaʻ*, meaning "to save" or "to rescue"). This is not a mere hope, but an affirmation of God's active, intentional, and sovereign will to intervene and preserve His servant, reflecting God's covenant faithfulness and His power to execute His word.
* **"for thou [art] my rock and my fortress":** This final clause provides the theological ground for the preceding pleas and declarations. The psalmist justifies his trust and expectation by appealing to God's very nature. God is inherently his "rock" (H5553, *çelaʻ*, unshakeable foundation) and his "fortress" (H4686, *mâtsûwd*, impenetrable defense), embodying the ultimate source of stability, strength, and security. These metaphors reinforce God's immutable character as the unyielding protector and preserver.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Metaphor** and **Imagery**, primarily through the use of architectural and geographical terms to describe God. God is depicted as a "strong habitation," a "rock," and a "fortress," transforming abstract theological concepts into tangible, relatable images of security and refuge. This creates a vivid picture of God as an unyielding, protective environment for the believer. The phrase "whereunto I may continually resort" employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the psalmist's intense desire for constant, unhindered access to God, underscoring the depth of his dependence. The structure also exhibits **Parallelism** in the concluding phrase "my rock and my fortress," where two distinct but complementary images reinforce the singular idea of God as ultimate security. This repetition serves to intensify the psalmist's conviction and reliance, creating a powerful and memorable affirmation of faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 71:3 profoundly articulates the biblical theme of God as the ultimate refuge and stronghold for His people. This concept is not merely a comforting thought but a foundational truth about God's character as faithful, immutable, and actively involved in the protection and salvation of those who trust in Him. The psalmist's desire to "continually resort" to God speaks to the perpetual need for divine presence and intervention in human life, especially in times of vulnerability or opposition. It underscores a theology of sustained dependence and intimate communion, where access to God is always open and His saving power is always available, not based on human merit but on His sovereign "commandment to save." This verse grounds the believer's security not in fleeting circumstances or personal strength, but in the unshakeable nature of God Himself, revealing His steadfast love and unwavering commitment to His covenant people.

* [Psalms 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer")
* [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - He is the Rock, His work is perfect")
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the throne of grace with confidence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For the modern believer, Psalm 71:3 offers profound comfort and a clear directive for living. In a world characterized by instability, anxiety, and constant change, the imagery of God as our "strong habitation," "rock," and "fortress" provides an anchor for the soul. It invites us to shift our reliance from fleeting human strengths or unreliable circumstances to the immutable character of God. This verse encourages a lifestyle of "continual resort" to God, recognizing that prayer, worship, and meditation on His Word are not just crisis interventions but essential, ongoing practices that foster deep intimacy and sustained peace. It reminds us that our security is not found in avoiding storms but in dwelling *in* the One who is greater than any storm. Furthermore, the declaration "thou hast given commandment to save me" instills confidence in God's active, sovereign will to deliver and preserve His children, assuring us that His faithfulness is not passive but a powerful, purposeful commitment on our behalf. This truth empowers us to face challenges with courage, knowing that our ultimate safety and salvation are secured in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you most need God to be your "strong habitation" or "fortress" today?**
* **How does the idea of "continually resorting" to God challenge or affirm your current spiritual practices?**
* **What does it mean for you personally that God has "given commandment to save" you? How does this truth impact your sense of security and hope?**

### FAQ
**Why does the psalmist use so many different images for God's protection?**

Answer: The psalmist employs a rich array of metaphors—"strong habitation," "rock," and "fortress"—to comprehensively describe the multifaceted nature of God's protection and presence. Each image highlights a distinct aspect of divine security: "habitation" (Hebrew: *mâʻôwn*) emphasizes a secure, intimate dwelling place or home; "rock" (Hebrew: *çelaʻ*) denotes unshakeable stability and an unyielding foundation; and "fortress" (Hebrew: *mâtsûwd*) signifies impenetrable defense and a secure stronghold against enemies. By combining these, the psalmist paints a complete picture of God as the all-encompassing, ever-present, and perfectly reliable source of safety and refuge, addressing both internal needs for belonging and external threats. This cumulative imagery serves to deepen the psalmist's expression of absolute trust and to reinforce the reader's understanding of God's comprehensive care, as seen in other passages like [Psalm 91:2](/psalms/91-2 "Psalm 91:2 - My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust").

**How can I "continually resort" to God in my daily life?**

Answer: "Continually resorting" to God, as expressed in [Psalms 71:3](/psalms/71-3 "Psalms 71:3 - Be thou my strong habitation"), implies a lifestyle of ongoing communion and dependence, not just isolated moments of prayer. This can be practiced through various means: cultivating a habit of **"breath prayers"**—short, frequent prayers throughout the day; engaging in **meditation** on Scripture, allowing God's Word to shape your thoughts and perspectives; practicing **mindfulness of God's presence** in everyday activities; and regularly setting aside dedicated time for **devotion and worship**. It's about maintaining an open channel of communication with God, bringing every thought, concern, and joy before Him, much like the New Testament exhortation to [pray without ceasing](/1_thessalonians/5-17 "1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Pray Without Ceasing"). This continuous reliance fosters a deeper intimacy and a constant awareness of God as your ever-present refuge and strength.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 71:3 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the living embodiment of the "strong habitation," the "rock," and the "fortress" to whom believers can continually resort. Just as the psalmist sought refuge in God, so too does the New Testament reveal Jesus as the secure dwelling place for all who believe, for [in Him we live and move and have our being](/acts/17-28 "Acts 17:28 - In Him we live and move and have our being"). Christ is the "Rock" upon whom the church is built ([You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church")), the unshakeable foundation for our faith and salvation, a truth echoed by Paul who called Christ "[the spiritual Rock that followed them](/1_corinthians/10-4 "1 Corinthians 10:4 - The spiritual Rock was Christ")" in the wilderness. His finished work on the cross is the ultimate "commandment to save," for through His sacrifice, God definitively commanded and accomplished salvation for all who trust in Him ([God so loved the world](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God so loved the world")). In Christ, we have not merely a temporary shelter but an eternal, secure dwelling, a constant access to the Father through the Spirit ([Access to the Father through one Spirit](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father through one Spirit")), and an impenetrable fortress against sin, death, and the powers of darkness ([Triumphing over them in Him](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumphing over them in Him")). He is our ultimate refuge, our steadfast hope, and the very ground of our being, offering a security far surpassing any earthly stronghold.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 18:2

The 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 18:10

¶ The name of the LORD [is] a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

Psalms 31:2

Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.

Psalms 31:3

For thou [art] my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.

Psalms 91:9

¶ Because thou hast made the LORD, [which is] my refuge, [even] the most High, thy habitation;

Deuteronomy 33:27

The 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].

Psalms 44:4

Thou art my King, O God: command deliverances for Jacob.