Daily Devotional | God as Rock

Looking back on his life, David must have been amazed at all the trials he had endured and how much he had accomplished. He began his journey as a humble shepherd, went on to face the giant Goliath, served in Saul’s court, became a fugitive living in the wilderness, worked as a hired soldier for the Philistines, and ultimately ascended to the throne of Israel. In 2 Samuel 22, David reflects on a time when God delivered him from Saul. Although he may have composed this poem shortly after the event, it is included at this point in the book to provide a fitting summary of David’s relationship with God.

In the central image of this poem, David describes God as a rock. “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge” (v. 2). “For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?” (v. 32). In a world before the invention of powerful drills or explosives, a rock was the ultimate picture of stability and strength. If you were wandering in the desert, a rock would be a welcome sight. It would provide needed shade and shelter from the sun.

Throughout the trials of David’s life, God had been his rock. God was his source of safety and security. No matter what he was going through, he could call upon the Lord knowing that God would hear and provide (v. 7). When it seemed like the world was crashing down around him, he could count on God (v. 8).