In this Names of God reading plan, we are learning more about God by studying the names given to Him in Scripture. Rather than having our writers share their own reflections on these passages, we’ve instead provided research-rich content to aid in your study of each day’s featured name of God, including the background of the name(s), a brief explanation of the character of God emphasized by the name(s), and a reflection question to help you dig deeper into the text.
//
Refuge & Fortress
Machseh, Metsudah (Hebrew)
Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 33:26-29, 2 Samuel 22:1-3, Psalm 18:1-3, Psalm 71:1-8, Isaiah 25:1-5
Description
When God’s people claim He is their refuge or fortress, they are saying He is a safe place in times of trouble. He will take care of them and protect them. King David uses “refuge” frequently to refer to God—a telling admission from the powerful, mighty king of all Israel who led victorious armies into battle. This name of God uses the image of finding safety and rest in a city or fortress to communicate the security God’s people have in Him.
Emphasis
God’s protection from external threats
Reflection
What do these names teach me about God?
God protects His children.
RENE’ BANCROFT I love ❤️ your post. I agree. Amen
Such a timely message for me. I woke up this morning overwhelmed by painful thoughts from the past. I needed to be reminded that God is my Refuge and my Fortress. He will quiet the voices from the past. He is my refuge from the storm. He will guard my heart and my mind by Christ Jesus.
I love this! I am reminded that even though this world is so hard we always have God as our refuge and fortress! He is our only true safe place -nothing else brings us complete eternal security!
It is so comforting to know that God is our refuge and safe place. This does not mean that troubled times won’t come or that enemies won’t be after us, but we have an eternal hope and peace knowing that we are secure in Him!
This brings so much comfort to my soul. God is my refuge in times of trouble and I always look to him to save me. He has never left me nor forsaken me. Amen!
Psalm 18 is my favorite scripture because God rescued me from my enemies-the ones that were too strong for me. He, indeed , delivered me. I will forever sing praises. He is my Rock, my Fortress, my Deliverer. Amen. Amen!!!!!
I like how they pointed out that even David, the king, needed refuge. I think it’s easy for us to think once “x” happens, then we will be ok and our anxiety will go away. But even if we somehow achieved a throne we’d still need refuge somewhere. Thank God for being a rock for us.
Great point. I do this often