"The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee."
Psalm 9:9-10
Twice in our verses for today we see that Jehovah is a “refuge.” For those who have lived in places of extreme weather the need for a refuge in times of danger has been a part of their lives. In the Pacific Islands there must be secure places where people can run for shelter from typhoons. The refuge needs to be a place that is safe and secure, one which the storm cannot reach. It must be a solid place that will not collapse when the wind rages and the storm surge pounds against it. To be outside of the shelter in a storm can prove to be disastrous.
The Hebrew word for “refuge” — that describes Jehovah in our verse — means a high place, a rock or crag in the rock, a place where the enemy cannot go. It is a safe retreat for the one who knows about it. David describes the LORD as this kind of shelter, “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower,” (Psalm 18:2). The LORD is there for those in need of help.
This “refuge” (v. 9), is for the “oppressed.” There are many forms of “oppression” in our world today. We are not told the specific oppression that David is thinking of; but we understand what it means to be “oppressed.” The word means “crushed,” or “broken.” This Hebrew word is derived from the word that means, “to beat small; to break in pieces; to crush.”1 So the person who is oppressed has been “through the mill.” They are in desperate need of a protector and helper. The LORD says He will be there for them.
And also note that the “refuge” is there “in times of trouble.” For those in any trouble, at any time, the LORD is there. Here’s the “time factor.” Whenever there is trouble God is present and ready to help. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,” (Psalm 46:1).
Believer, do you remember how He has been your refuge in the past? Then, call out to Him now. He is there for you. God will never forsake His child who puts his trust in Him.
1. Albert Barnes, Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible, electronic version in eSword.