Psalms 71:3

3 Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.

Psalms 71:3 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
3 Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.
English Standard Version (ESV)
3 Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come; you have given the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.
New Living Translation (NLT)
3 Be my rock of safety where I can always hide. Give the order to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.
The Message Bible (MSG)
3 Be a guest room where I can retreat; you said your door was always open! You're my salvation - my vast, granite fortress.
American Standard Version (ASV)
3 Be thou to me a rock of habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: Thou hast given commandment to save me; For thou art my rock and my fortress.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
3 Be a rock on which I may live, a place where I may always go. You gave the order to save me! Indeed, you are my rock and my fortress.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
3 Be a rock of refuge for me, where I can always go. Give the command to save me, for You are my rock and fortress.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
3 Be my rock of safety that I can always go to. Give the command to save me. You are my rock and my fort.

Psalms 71:3 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 71:3

Be thou my strong habitation
This is very appropiately said, when David was driven out of his dwelling place, and palace at Jerusalem, by his son, as Kimchi observes. When God's people have no certain dwelling place, which is sometimes their case, they always find one in the Lord; particularly in his heart's love; for he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, ( 1 John 4:16 ) ; and a strong habitation he is: wherefore he is called a strong rock, a strong hold, a strong tower; he is as a wall of fire around his people, a munition of rocks; his salvation is as walls and bulwarks, and his power as a garrison in which they are kept. The psalmist adds,

whereunto I may continually resort;
or "may go into daily" F18, in times of danger and distress, for safety; the name of the Lord being a strong tower, whither the righteous run, and are safe, ( Proverbs 18:10 ) ; and his perfections, his power, faithfulness, lovingkindness, and unchangeableness, being as so many secret chambers, where they may enter into, and hide themselves, till calamities are over, ( Psalms 57:1 ) ( Isaiah 26:20 ) ; and every day indeed for food, for comfort, for refreshment and pleasure, through communion with him; and God in Christ is always to be come at: Christ is the way of access and acceptance; and through his blood, sacrifice, and righteousness, the believer has boldness to enter into the holiest of all, and go up to the seat of God, the throne of his grace; and even to enter into him himself, who has been the dwelling place of his people in all generations, ( Psalms 90:1 ) ;

thou hast given commandment to save me;
either to the ministering angels, as Aben Ezra and Kimchi interpret it, comparing it with ( Psalms 91:11 ) ; or rather to his Son, in the council and covenant of grace and peace; when he enjoined him the salvation of his people, which he readily agreed to, and with which David was acquainted, ( Psalms 40:7 Psalms 40:8 ) ; of this command our Lord speaks, ( John 10:18 ) ( 14:31 ) ; and to which he was obedient, ( Philippians 2:8 ) ; it may respect David's salvation from present trouble, and his assurance of it, believing that the Lord had determined it, and by his mighty power would effect it; see ( Psalms 44:4 ) ;

for thou [art] my rock and my fortress;
see ( Psalms 18:2 ) ( 31:3 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

F18 (dymt awbl) "ut ingrediar jugiter", Pagninus; so Junius & Tremellius, Piscator.

Psalms 71:3 In-Context

1 In you, LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame.
2 In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me; turn your ear to me and save me.
3 Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.
4 Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel.
5 For you have been my hope, Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth.

Cross References 1

  • 1. Psalms 18:2; Psalms 31:2-3; Psalms 44:4
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