Moment With The Master
“Our God, Our Refuge”
Categories: Moment With The MasterHe is the Rock, His work is perfect; for all His ways are justice, a God of truth and without injustice; righteous and upright is He.” (Deuteronomy 32:4)
Four times in this song God is called “the Rock", the unchangeable refuge and stronghold of the people. The Hebrew word "sur" means a very large rock or boulder. This name for God appears mainly in this song and later in the Psalms. Jesus Christ is also called a rock. (see Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 10:4)
During the time of Israel's wilderness wondering they would have seen a lot of rock. It was at the rock of Mt. Sinai the law was proclaimed. When Moses "saw" God he hid in the cleft of the rock. From a rock Israel received water. When David hunted in the wilderness he too would find refuge in a rock.
"Rock" is a symbol of who God is. The verse says "for all His ways are justice, a God of truth and without injustice”. The broad context is a contrast between the moral excellence of God and Israel’s sin. (verse 15) This description of God also symbolizes his eternal existence (Psalm 90:21), his might and power (Daniel 4:35), his wise counsel (Isaiah 40:13), his steadfast purpose (Psalm 33:11), and the faithfulness of his word (Psalm 119:89,90).
These remarkable attributes of God thus translate into what God is to his people. Like a rock, God provides shelter from the elements (Psalm 46:1-3), he is protection from the enemy (Psalm 18:2). God and his word provide a solid spiritual foundation. (Matthew 7:24,25)
As Israel passed through the wilderness, God their rock was a source of refreshing water, shelter from the storm, and a source of wise counsel. Later Psalmists used the same figure to describe what God meant to them. Today, Christ the solid rock, the "Rock of of Ages" will provide shelter to any who wish to receive him.
By George Slover
