Psalms 91:2

KJV

I will say of the LORD, [He is] my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will say {H559}{H8799)} of the LORD {H3068}, He is my refuge {H4268} and my fortress {H4686}: my God {H430}; in him will I trust {H982}{H8799)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

who say to ADONAI, "My refuge! My fortress! My God, in whom I trust!"

Berean Standard Bible

I will say to the LORD, “You are my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

American Standard Version

I will say of Jehovah, He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in whom I trust.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 91:2 serves as a profound personal declaration of faith, articulating the psalmist's unwavering conviction in the LORD as their ultimate source of security and divine protection. Following the invitation to "dwell in the secret place of the Most High" in the preceding verse, this statement transforms a general theological truth into an intimate, possessive affirmation, establishing God as a personal refuge, a formidable stronghold, and the singular object of absolute trust amidst life's inherent dangers and uncertainties.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 91:2 immediately follows the foundational declaration of Psalm 91:1, which speaks of "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." While verse 1 sets the condition for divine protection—a life lived in intimate communion with God—verse 2 presents the personal, active response and confession of the one who embraces this dwelling. It transitions from a general statement about God's protective nature to a deeply personal, verbal commitment of trust. The subsequent verses (e.g., [Psalm 91:3-8](/psalms/91-3 "Psalm 91:3-8 - God's Deliverance from Snares and Plagues")) then elaborate on the specific forms of protection and deliverance that flow from this declared trust, illustrating the practical outworking of God's refuge. The entire psalm functions as a song of assurance, with verse 2 acting as the individual's foundational pledge within that framework.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, life was often precarious, marked by constant threats from natural disasters, wild animals, and inter-tribal warfare. Concepts of "refuge" and "fortress" were deeply ingrained in the cultural psyche, representing literal physical structures like walled cities, mountain strongholds, or natural caves where people could find safety from enemies or predators. Kings and powerful leaders were often seen as protectors of their people, providing military defense and secure dwelling places. Against this backdrop, the psalmist's declaration of God as "my refuge and my fortress" elevates this earthly need for security to a divine plane, asserting that the LORD is the ultimate, unassailable stronghold, far superior to any human-made defense or earthly power. This declaration would have resonated powerfully with a people who frequently sought literal refuge.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **God's Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, portraying Him as the supreme power capable of providing absolute safety, as seen in passages like [Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The Lord My Rock and My Fortress"). Secondly, it emphasizes the **Personal Nature of Faith**, moving beyond abstract knowledge of God to an intimate, possessive relationship ("my refuge," "my fortress," "my God"). This personal relationship is a recurring theme, inviting believers into a covenant bond, as echoed in [Jeremiah 24:7](/jeremiah/24-7 "Jeremiah 24:7 - A Heart to Know God"). Thirdly, the verse underscores the theme of **Active Trust and Declaration**. It's not passive belief but an intentional, verbal commitment ("I will say," "in him will I trust"), which is a hallmark of biblical faith, as exemplified in [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart"). Finally, it speaks to the universal human need for **Security and Protection**, finding its ultimate fulfillment not in earthly means but in a steadfast reliance on the divine.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Refuge (Hebrew, _machseh'_):** (מַחְסֶה) Derived from the root HCS (חָסָה), meaning "to seek refuge, to trust, to flee for protection." _Machseh_ specifically denotes a shelter, a place of safety, or a haven. It implies a place one runs to for protection from danger, often from a storm or an enemy. In this context, it portrays God as the ultimate sanctuary, the secure destination for the soul in distress, providing a sense of immediate and accessible safety.
* **Fortress (Hebrew, _metzudah'_):** (מְצוּדָה) This term refers to a stronghold, a fortified place, a castle, or a mountain fastness. It suggests a place of robust, enduring strength, often elevated and difficult to assault. While _machseh_ emphasizes the act of seeking shelter, _metzudah_ highlights the inherent, unyielding strength of the shelter itself. When applied to God, it signifies His impregnable nature, His ability to withstand and repel all attacks, providing absolute and unshakeable security.
* **Trust (Hebrew, _batach'_):** (בָּטַח) This verb means "to trust, to rely on, to feel secure, to be confident." It implies a complete leaning upon something or someone, a confident expectation that they will provide safety or fulfill a promise. It's not merely intellectual assent but a profound, active reliance of one's entire being. In Psalm 91:2, it signifies a deliberate, volitional act of placing one's entire confidence and security in God, a commitment that underpins the declaration of Him as refuge and fortress.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will say of the LORD":** This opening phrase is a powerful declaration, not merely a private thought. The verb "say" (אָמַר, _'amar'_) indicates a vocal, public, or at least intentional and decisive proclamation. It signifies a personal commitment and confession of faith. It's an active choice to articulate one's conviction about God's character and role in their life, moving beyond passive belief to an active statement of allegiance and trust.
* **"[He is] my refuge and my fortress":** Here, the psalmist applies the protective metaphors directly to God, using possessive pronouns ("my"). This transforms the abstract concept of God's power into a personal, relational reality. "Refuge" (מַחְסֶה) speaks of a place of immediate shelter and escape from danger, while "fortress" (מְצוּדָה) implies a strong, impenetrable stronghold that can withstand any assault. Together, they paint a comprehensive picture of God as both a safe haven to flee to and an unyielding defense that protects from within.
* **"my God":** This simple yet profound phrase signifies a covenant relationship. It speaks of intimacy, ownership, and belonging. It's a declaration of personal allegiance and a recognition of God's unique relationship with the speaker. It roots the previous declarations of refuge and fortress in a deeply personal, exclusive bond, implying that this God, the Creator and Sustainer, is specifically *their* God, committed to *their* well-being.
* **"in him will I trust":** This concluding clause expresses the active response to the preceding declarations. The verb "trust" (בָּטַח) denotes a deep, unwavering reliance and confidence. It's the practical outworking of acknowledging God as refuge and fortress. This trust is not a passive hope but an active leaning, a confident surrender of one's security into God's hands, affirming that He is utterly dependable and faithful to His protective nature.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 91:2 is rich in **Metaphor**, primarily employing military and architectural imagery to describe God. "Refuge" and "fortress" are powerful comparisons that evoke images of safety, strength, and impregnability, making abstract divine attributes tangible and relatable. The verse also heavily utilizes **Personal Pronouns and Possessive Adjectives** ("I," "my"), which serve to personalize the theological declaration, transforming a general truth about God into an intimate, covenantal confession. This creates a strong sense of individual ownership and relationship. Furthermore, the phrase "I will say" functions as a **Declaration** or **Confession**, emphasizing the volitional and active nature of the psalmist's faith. It's not merely an internal thought but an outward, verbalized commitment, which carries significant weight in ancient Near Eastern thought as an act of public or personal affirmation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 91:2 encapsulates the profound biblical truth that God is not merely a distant deity but an intimately involved protector who invites His people into a relationship of absolute trust. This verse articulates a theology of divine immanence and providential care, asserting that God's omnipotence is directly applied to the security of the individual who acknowledges Him. It underscores the concept of covenant faithfulness, where God's protective nature is a direct outflow of His commitment to those who belong to Him. The declaration "my God" resonates with the foundational covenant formula, "I will be your God, and you will be my people," establishing a reciprocal relationship where human trust meets divine reliability. This active declaration of trust is presented as the proper response to God's revealed character, serving as a model for all believers to vocalize their reliance on Him in the face of life's dangers.

* [Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The Lord My Rock and My Fortress"): "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, my high tower."
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart"): "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."
* [Nahum 1:7](/nahum/1-7 "Nahum 1:7 - The Lord is Good, a Stronghold"): "The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 91:2 serves as a powerful invitation and challenge for contemporary believers. In a world fraught with anxieties—economic instability, health crises, social unrest—the human tendency is to seek security in tangible resources, personal strength, or human systems. However, this verse redirects our gaze, calling us to shift our ultimate trust from fallible earthly supports to the infallible, eternal God. To "say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress" is not merely a theological statement but an act of spiritual warfare, a conscious decision to declare God's truth over our fears and circumstances. It requires intentionality, moving beyond intellectual assent to a deep, personal appropriation of God's protective character. This declaration fosters a posture of confident reliance, enabling us to face life's storms not with despair, but with the assurance that our ultimate safety is anchored in the Almighty, who is both our immediate shelter and our unshakeable stronghold.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific fears or anxieties in your life are you tempted to trust in something other than God to resolve?**
* **How does actively "saying" (declaring, confessing) God as your refuge and fortress change your perspective on these challenges?**
* **In what practical ways can you demonstrate your trust in God as your ultimate security this week?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to "say of the LORD" that He is my refuge? Is it just a mental affirmation?**

Answer: To "say of the LORD" is far more than a mere mental affirmation; it is a profound, active declaration of faith. The Hebrew verb implies a vocal, intentional, and public (even if only to oneself or God) proclamation. It signifies a conscious act of commitment and allegiance. It means to confess, to affirm, and to stake one's life on the truth that God is indeed one's ultimate shelter and stronghold. This declaration is a spiritual act that aligns one's heart, mind, and will with God's revealed character, transforming a general theological truth into a personal, lived reality. It's an act of faith that precedes and enables the deep trust mentioned in the latter part of the verse, much like the confession of faith in [Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confess with Your Mouth, Believe in Your Heart").

**How can God be both a "refuge" and a "fortress"? What's the difference?**

Answer: The two terms, "refuge" (מַחְסֶה, _machseh'_) and "fortress" (מְצוּדָה, _metzudah'_), work together to provide a comprehensive picture of God's protection. "Refuge" emphasizes the immediate availability and accessibility of God as a safe place to flee to in times of sudden danger or distress. It's the shelter one runs into for immediate safety, like a storm shelter or a hiding place. "Fortress," on the other hand, highlights God's inherent, enduring strength and impregnability. It's a strong, fortified structure that can withstand prolonged assaults, symbolizing an unshakeable defense. Together, they assure the believer that God is both the swift, accessible rescuer in moments of crisis and the unyielding, steadfast stronghold that provides continuous, long-term security against all forms of attack, physical or spiritual. This dual imagery underscores the completeness and reliability of God's protective care, as seen in [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God is Our Refuge and Strength").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 91:2 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament declares God as refuge and fortress, it is in Christ that this divine protection becomes fully accessible and personally embodied for humanity. Jesus Himself is the ultimate "secret place of the Most High" ([Psalm 91:1](/psalms/91-1 "Psalm 91:1 - Dwelling in the Secret Place")), the one in whom we "abide" and find our shelter. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, offering refuge from the ultimate enemy—sin and death—through His atoning sacrifice on the cross ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). He is our impenetrable fortress against the accusations of the enemy and the condemnation of the law, for "there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). Our declaration, "I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust," is perfectly realized in our confession of Jesus as Lord and Savior. He is the embodiment of God's protective love, the one in whom we can place our complete trust, knowing that He has overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")) and promises eternal security to all who believe in Him ([John 10:28-29](/john/10-28 "John 10:28-29 - Jesus Gives Eternal Life")).

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.

Isaiah 26:3

Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee.

Isaiah 26:4

Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH [is] everlasting strength:

Proverbs 18:10

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

Isaiah 12:2

Behold, God [is] my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH [is] my strength and [my] song; he also is become my salvation.

Psalms 142:5

I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou [art] my refuge [and] my portion in the land of the living.

Psalms 62:5

My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation [is] from him.