Psalms 94:22

KJV

But the LORD is my defence; and my God [is] the rock of my refuge.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the LORD {H3068} is my defence {H4869}; and my God {H430} is the rock {H6697} of my refuge {H4268}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But ADONAI has become my stronghold, my God is my rock of refuge.

Berean Standard Bible

But the LORD has been my stronghold, and my God is my rock of refuge.

American Standard Version

But Jehovah hath been my high tower, And my God the rock of my refuge.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 94:22 stands as a profound declaration of unwavering faith and trust in God amidst profound adversity and injustice. Following a psalm filled with urgent appeals for divine retribution against the wicked and oppressors, this verse pivots to a powerful affirmation of God's steadfast character, asserting Him as the ultimate, impregnable source of protection, defense, and secure refuge for those who belong to Him. It encapsulates the psalmist's personal reliance on the Lord's sovereign power and faithfulness, even when the world seems to crumble around the righteous.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 94 belongs to a collection of psalms (Psalms 93-99) that emphasize God's kingship and righteous rule. Specifically, Psalm 94 is a communal lament, a fervent appeal to God to intervene against the arrogant and cruel wicked who exploit and oppress the vulnerable within Israelite society. The preceding verses vividly describe the impunity of the wicked, who "crush your people, O LORD; they oppress your inheritance" ([Psalms 94:5](/psalms/94-5 "Psalm 94:5 - The Oppression of the Wicked")), believing that "the LORD does not see; the God of Jacob does not perceive" ([Psalms 94:7](/psalms/94-7 "Psalm 94:7 - God's Awareness of Injustice")). The psalmist then shifts to a confident assertion of God's justice, reminding the oppressors that God indeed sees and will judge. Verses 16-19 highlight the psalmist's desperate need for divine help and God's timely intervention, culminating in the declaration of God as "my help" and "my comfort." Verse 22 serves as the climactic personal confession of absolute trust, a bedrock statement of faith following the dark descriptions of injustice and the confident expectation of divine retribution against the wicked (as seen in [Psalms 94:23](/psalms/94-23 "Psalm 94:23 - God's Judgment on the Wicked")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm likely arises from a period of significant social and political upheaval or internal corruption within Israel, where those in positions of power or influence were abusing the poor, widows, and sojourners. This kind of injustice was a direct violation of the Mosaic Law, which repeatedly commanded care for the vulnerable (e.g., [Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - Justice for the Vulnerable")). The imagery of God as a "rock" or "fortress" was deeply resonant in ancient Near Eastern cultures, where physical strongholds and elevated places provided literal refuge from enemies and natural disasters. For the Israelites, a people often surrounded by hostile nations and facing internal moral decay, the concept of God as an unassailable defense offered profound solace and hope, contrasting sharply with the ephemeral nature of human power and the unreliability of earthly rulers. The psalmist's plea reflects a societal breakdown where justice was perverted, and the righteous were left vulnerable, hence the urgent cry for divine intervention and the ultimate declaration of God's unshakeable nature.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, asserting that despite the apparent triumph of wickedness, God remains in ultimate control and will execute righteous judgment. Secondly, it highlights **God's Unfailing Faithfulness and Covenant Loyalty** to His people; even when they are oppressed, He does not abandon them, as declared in [Psalms 94:14](/psalms/94-14 "Psalm 94:14 - God Will Not Abandon His People"). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **Personal Trust and Intimacy with God**, conveyed through the repeated use of "my," signifying a deep, relational bond where the psalmist personally experiences God as a deliverer. Finally, the imagery of "defense" and "rock of refuge" powerfully conveys the theme of **Divine Protection and Security**, portraying God as an impregnable stronghold against all forms of evil and danger, a theme echoed in other psalms like [Psalms 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - God My Rock and Fortress") and [Psalms 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Defence (Hebrew, _misgav_):** This word (מִשְׂגָּב) literally means "a high place," "a stronghold," or "a refuge." It denotes an elevated, inaccessible fortress, a place of impregnable safety that is beyond the reach of enemies. When applied to God, it signifies His absolute ability to protect His people from all harm, elevating them above the threats of the world. It speaks to His majestic power and His role as a secure, unassailable sanctuary.
* **Rock (Hebrew, _tsur_):** The Hebrew word (צוּר) is a common and powerful metaphor for God in the Old Testament, appearing frequently in the Psalms and Deuteronomy. It conveys the ideas of stability, permanence, strength, and reliability. Unlike shifting sands or crumbling walls, a rock provides an unshakeable foundation and a solid, enduring shelter. It emphasizes God's unchanging character and His unyielding faithfulness, providing a firm ground for trust and hope.
* **Refuge (Hebrew, _machaseh_):** This term (מַחְסֶה) means "shelter," "hiding place," or "asylum." It describes a place where one can flee for safety and find protection from danger, persecution, or distress. When combined with "rock," it paints a vivid picture of God as a secure, impenetrable dwelling place where the vulnerable can find ultimate safety and peace, shielded from all external threats.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the LORD is my defence":** The conjunction "But" signals a sharp contrast to the preceding verses, which describe the overwhelming power and arrogance of the wicked. It introduces a decisive shift from lament and complaint to a declaration of faith. "The LORD" (Yahweh) emphasizes God's covenant name, highlighting His personal relationship and faithfulness to His people. He is not merely a general protector but "my defence," indicating a deeply personal and intimate reliance on His specific, active protection. This clause asserts God's role as the personal stronghold and high tower for the psalmist, lifting him above danger.
* **"and my God [is] the rock of my refuge":** This parallel clause reinforces and expands upon the first. "My God" (Elohim) again stresses the personal relationship, emphasizing His divine power and authority as the psalmist's own deity. The imagery of "the rock of my refuge" combines the enduring strength and stability of a rock with the concept of a secure shelter. It portrays God as an unshakeable foundation and an impenetrable sanctuary where the psalmist finds ultimate safety and security, irrespective of external turmoil. The implied verb "is" underscores God's inherent nature as this steadfast source of refuge.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 94:22 is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where God is directly equated with "defence" and "rock of my refuge." These are not literal descriptions but powerful images that convey His protective nature, stability, and impregnable strength. The use of "rock" is a classic biblical metaphor for God's unchanging and dependable character. **Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses of the verse, "the LORD is my defence" and "my God is the rock of my refuge," where the second clause reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first, using synonymous ideas to reinforce the central truth. The repeated use of **Personal Pronouns** ("my defence," "my God," "my refuge") highlights the intimate and individual nature of the psalmist's relationship with God, transforming a general theological statement into a deeply personal confession of faith. Finally, the verse employs **Contrast**, implicitly standing against the backdrop of the wicked's power and the psalmist's initial distress, asserting God's ultimate sovereignty and protective care as the antithesis to human vulnerability and injustice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 94:22 serves as a theological anchor, asserting God's unchanging nature as the ultimate source of security and justice in a world marred by sin and oppression. It underscores the biblical truth that true safety and deliverance are found not in human might, political alliances, or personal strength, but solely in the sovereign Lord. This verse resonates with the broader biblical narrative of God as the defender of the weak and the avenger of the oppressed, a theme that runs from the Exodus narrative, where God delivers Israel from slavery, to the prophetic calls for justice, and ultimately to the New Testament's portrayal of Christ as our ultimate refuge. It reminds believers that even when earthly foundations crumble and injustice seems to prevail, God remains the steadfast, unshakeable Rock upon whom they can build their lives and find unfailing protection.

* [Psalms 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - God My Rock and Fortress")
* [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - The Rock, His Work is Perfect")
* [Proverbs 18:10](/proverbs/18-10 "Proverbs 18:10 - The Name of the Lord is a Strong Tower")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 94:22 offers profound solace and a powerful call to radical trust for believers navigating a world filled with uncertainty, injustice, and personal trials. In moments when we feel overwhelmed by external pressures, betrayed by others, or vulnerable to the forces of evil, this verse invites us to shift our gaze from our circumstances to the unchanging character of God. It encourages us to actively declare, like the psalmist, that the Lord is our personal defense and the unshakeable rock of our refuge. This isn't a naive optimism that problems will disappear, but a deep-seated confidence that even within the storm, God provides an impenetrable sanctuary for our souls. It calls us to cease striving in our own strength and instead to lean fully into His divine protection, finding peace and stability in His unfailing presence. Our security is not in what we can control, but in who God is – our steadfast stronghold in every season of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you currently feel most vulnerable or in need of defense?**
* **How does the imagery of God as a "rock" and "high tower" speak to your deepest needs for security and stability?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more fully lean on God as your refuge when facing injustice or adversity?**
* **How does declaring God as "my" defense and "my" refuge strengthen your personal relationship with Him?**

### FAQ
**Why is God described as a "rock" so frequently in the Bible?**

Answer: The imagery of God as a "rock" (Hebrew: _tsur_) is prevalent throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the Psalms and the Pentateuch (e.g., [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God the Rock")). This metaphor conveys several essential attributes of God. Firstly, it signifies His **stability and permanence**; unlike shifting sands or crumbling structures, a rock is unmoving and eternal, representing God's unchanging nature. Secondly, it speaks to His **strength and reliability**; a rock provides a firm foundation and an impregnable fortress, symbolizing God's power to protect and sustain His people. Thirdly, it highlights His **faithfulness and trustworthiness**; just as a rock offers consistent shelter, God is a dependable refuge in times of trouble. In a volatile world, the "rock" imagery assures believers of God's unwavering presence and unwavering commitment to His covenant.

**How does Psalm 94:22 relate to the broader theme of divine justice in the psalm?**

Answer: Psalm 94:22 stands as the climax and personal affirmation of faith amidst the psalm's urgent plea for divine justice. The preceding verses lament the unchecked wickedness and oppression, expressing the psalmist's deep distress over the apparent impunity of the wicked who "crush your people" ([Psalms 94:5](/psalms/94-5 "Psalm 94:5 - The Oppression of the Wicked")). The psalmist appeals to God to "rise up, O Judge of the earth" ([Psalms 94:2](/psalms/94-2 "Psalm 94:2 - God as Judge")). Verse 22, by declaring "But the LORD is my defence; and my God [is] the rock of my refuge," acts as a turning point. It asserts that despite the current injustice, the psalmist's ultimate security and hope are in God, who *will* ultimately bring justice. This personal declaration of trust precedes the final statement of assured judgment against the wicked in [Psalms 94:23](/psalms/94-23 "Psalm 94:23 - God's Judgment on the Wicked"), demonstrating that the righteous find their refuge in the very God who is also the righteous Judge.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 94:22 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's portrayal of God as "my defence" and "the rock of my refuge" points forward to the person and work of the Messiah, who embodies these very attributes in a saving and redemptive way. Jesus Christ is the ultimate **Rock** upon whom the Church is built, an unshakeable foundation against which "the gates of hell shall not prevail" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Church Built on the Rock")). He is our **Defense** and **Refuge** not merely from earthly oppressors, but from the far greater enemies of sin, death, and the devil. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ became our ultimate shelter, absorbing the wrath of God against sin, so that "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")). He is the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), providing a refuge of grace. Believers are invited to "take refuge in him" ([Psalms 2:12](/psalms/2-12 "Psalm 2:12 - Take Refuge in the Son")), finding in His finished work an eternal stronghold and an impregnable defense against all spiritual accusations and the final judgment. As the resurrected Lord, He remains our ever-present help, our secure dwelling place, and the steadfast Rock upon whom our eternal hope rests ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ the Same Forever")).

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.

Psalms 27:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David. The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalms 27:3

Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this [will] I [be] confident.

Psalms 59:9

[Because of] his strength will I wait upon thee: for God [is] my defence.

Psalms 59:16

But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.

Psalms 59:17

Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God [is] my defence, [and] the God of my mercy.

Psalms 62:6

He only [is] my rock and my salvation: [he is] my defence; I shall not be moved.