God Our Rock
It is imagery frequently found in the Psalms. “The Lord is my rock” (Ps. 18:2; see also vs. 31; 42:9; 78:35; 94:22). And the use of the symbol began earlier than that. Moses rejoices in the Lord, saying, “He is the Rock” (Deut. 32:4, 15, 18). Later, Hannah, in her inspired prayer of praise, after she has offered her son Samuel to the Lord, declares, “Nor is there any rock like our God” (I Sam. 2:2).
So what is it that is pictured? In what way may the Lord be portrayed as a Rock to His people. A number of possibilities may be listed.
1) A Source of Redemption. From the smitten rock God provided life-sustaining water for Israel (Exod. 17:1-6). It is a picture of the water of salvation flowing from Christ, smitten on the cross for us (cf. I Cor. 10:1-4).
2) A Subject of Awe and Admiration. A great rock rising above the floor of the wilderness is an imposing sight. Herders, and travelers are dwarfed beneath its towering heights. In that it represents the greatness of God, and how seeing Him with the eyes of faith inspires worship.
3) A Sure Foundation. The imagery is used of both obedience to the Word of God, and of Christ Himself. Each is described as a foundation upon which (or whom) we can build with confidence (Matt. 7:24-25; I Cor. 3:11).
4) A Welcome Shelter. Those required to travel through a hot, barren waste, or through pelting storms, were cheered by the possibility of resting in the shelter of a great rock. And Isaiah prophesies of the coming Messiah that he will be “as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land” (Isa. 32:2).
5) A Heavenly Vantage Point. By scaling the heights, it is possible to get a clearer picture of what lies ahead, and have a better sense of direction. Similarly, as we draw near to God, and understand His purposes better, we have a sound vantage point from which to assess the future.
6) A Needed Protection. In military action, an important advantage could be gained over the enemy by attacking from a height. Appropriately, the comparison of God to a rock is combined with other military imagery. “The Lord is my rock,” says David, “and my fortress and my deliverer…my stronghold” (Ps. 18:2).
7) A Quiet Resting Place. This is a related aspect to #3 above. It is drawn from the solid, stable nature of rock, as a picture of that which is enduring and dependable. Since the Lord provides a firm spiritual foundation, He is also one in whom we can trust, and find rest.