Psalm 94 22

Psalm 94:22 kjv

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

Psalm 94:22 nkjv

But the LORD has been my defense, And my God the rock of my refuge.

Psalm 94:22 niv

But the LORD has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.

Psalm 94:22 esv

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

Psalm 94:22 nlt

But the LORD is my fortress;
my God is the mighty rock where I hide.

Psalm 94 verses

Psalm 94 22 Meaning

Psalm 94:22 declares with unwavering confidence that the Eternal God, the Covenant Lord, has been and continues to be the secure and impregnable fortress, providing unwavering protection and ultimate safety to the psalmist. He is not merely a helper, but the very identity of the believer's defense and ultimate sanctuary.

Psalm 94 22 Context

Psalm 94 is a profound communal and personal lament that voices an earnest plea for divine justice against the wicked and arrogant oppressors who seemingly act with impunity. The psalmist questions why the Lord tolerates the wickedness of those who crush His people (vv. 1-7). A significant portion of the psalm (vv. 8-11) is dedicated to challenging the atheistic and indifferent mindset of these wicked individuals, reminding them that God is omniscient and always aware of their deeds. In a turning point from a cry for vengeance and a theological assertion, the psalmist then finds solace and instruction in God's discipline and promised help (vv. 12-19). Verse 22 stands as the climatic declaration of the psalmist's resolute trust and experience amidst the tribulation. It is a confident assertion that, despite the pervasive evil, God remains the unwavering source of personal safety and justice. This declaration prefaces the final confident prayer for God to execute judgment against the wicked (v. 23). The historical and cultural context suggests a period of internal or external oppression where those in power abused their authority, believing they were beyond divine retribution, making the psalmist's affirmation of God's justice and refuge profoundly significant.

Psalm 94 22 Word analysis

• But: A strong adversative conjunction that signals a sharp contrast, shifting from the lament and observation of wickedness to a declaration of confident faith in God's protective presence.
• the LORD: From the Hebrew YHWH (Yahweh), the ineffable and personal covenant name of God, revealing His self-existent, eternal, and faithful nature. This emphasizes a relationship of divine commitment and active involvement with His people.
• has been: This past tense, yet continuous action, conveys God's consistent and proven track record of faithfulness. It implies an ongoing reality based on past experience.
• my defense: From the Hebrew מִשְׂגָּב (misgav), meaning "stronghold," "high tower," or "safe retreat." It signifies a naturally fortified place, inaccessible to enemies, conveying absolute security and protection, elevated above threat.
• and: Connects two complementary descriptions of God's protective role, emphasizing the totality and fullness of His provision.
• my God: From the Hebrew אֱלֹהִים (Elohim), a general but powerful name for God as the Creator, the mighty One. The possessive "my" underscores a deep, personal relationship and ownership in faith, where this omnipotent God belongs to the psalmist.
• the rock: From the Hebrew צוּר (tsur), literally a "rock," "boulder," or "cliff." Metaphorically, it signifies immutability, steadfastness, strength, and an unshakeable foundation. Unlike fleeting human strength, God as a rock is permanent and unyielding.
• of my refuge: From the Hebrew מַחְסֶה (machaseh), meaning "shelter," "place of refuge," or "hiding place." This word suggests a place to flee for protection from danger, heat, or storm, highlighting the comfort and safety found uniquely in God.

Words-group analysis

• "But the LORD has been my defense": This phrase asserts God's consistent and proven role as the ultimate, insurmountable protector. It highlights God's active engagement and personal faithfulness as a high, inaccessible stronghold for the believer, particularly in times of threat and injustice. The personal pronoun "my" underscores the intimate relationship and experienced reality of this divine protection.
• "and my God the rock of my refuge": This phrase uses strong metaphorical language to further emphasize God's absolute steadfastness and stability as the ultimate source of safety. "My God" reiterates the personal devotion, while "the rock of my refuge" depicts Him as the unchanging, unyielding foundation upon which one's safety rests, providing an unbreakable sanctuary against any adversity. The combined imagery of "defense" (stronghold) and "rock" (stable foundation for refuge) paints a picture of comprehensive and impregnable security in God alone.

Psalm 94 22 Bonus section

The choice of "rock" (tsur) as a descriptor for God is pervasive throughout the Old Testament (e.g., Deut 32, 1 Sam 2, many Psalms), serving as a core metaphor for God's unchanging, powerful, and utterly reliable nature. This contrasts sharply with the frailty and mutability of human constructs and alliances, which Psalm 94 implicitly criticizes in the actions of the wicked who rely on "thrones of iniquity." The affirmation "has been" suggests not only a historical reality but an ongoing, experiential truth for the psalmist; it's a testimony rooted in continuous divine action rather than a momentary act. This enduring quality speaks to God's steadfast love and faithfulness (חֶסֶד, hesed) that persists through all seasons of trial. The shift in perspective within the psalm itself, from questioning and lamenting God's perceived inaction to declaring His unfailing refuge, reflects a common pattern in biblical lament psalms where complaint eventually gives way to renewed trust and praise.

Psalm 94 22 Commentary

Psalm 94:22 encapsulates a profound theological truth born from lived experience: God is the sole, active, and steadfast source of the believer's protection and ultimate refuge, especially when confronted by injustice and evil. It pivots from a cry for justice to an anchor of trust, asserting that God’s nature as the Eternal Yahweh is inherently one of defending His own. He is not merely a provider of safety, but He is the defense—an impregnable stronghold high above all threats. Furthermore, the dual imagery of "my God" and "the rock of my refuge" deepens this certainty. "My God" speaks to an intimate, possessive relationship with the Creator, while "the rock" signifies His immutable, unwavering nature. Unlike shifting circumstances or unreliable human aid, God's protection is as solid and enduring as a bedrock foundation, offering an ultimate, secure shelter where the faithful can flee from all storms. This verse serves as a powerful testament to the reality that despite surrounding turmoil, the believer's safety is irrevocably established in the person of God.

For practical usage, this verse reassures believers facing:

• Oppression or injustice: When systems or individuals seem overwhelming, God remains the ultimate arbiter and protector.
• Anxiety and fear: In times of uncertainty, fear, or perceived danger, one can retreat into the absolute safety provided by God's nature.
• Discouragement: It reminds that God's faithfulness in the past continues into the present, reinforcing His unwavering support.