Strength in His NameSýnishorn

ELOHIM TSUR, GOD MY ROCK

While it’s commonly known that two-thirds of the earth’s surface is covered by water, few people realize that 24% of our planet’s landmass is comprised of mountains. One mountaineering guide, PeakViser, has cataloged over a million named mountains spanning all seven continents. These massive immovable rock-scapes provide 60% of the world’s freshwater, support 28% of the earth’s forests, and are home to 13% of the world’s people. They even create their own weather systems. Generations come and go, but the permeance and protection mountains provide are a constant backdrop in all ages.

The mountains were an ever-present feature in the history and experience of Israel and became synonymous with the faithfulness of God. The same mountain range Abraham went up with Isaac was where Solomon later built a Temple. Israel’s first true encampment after leaving Egypt was at Mount Sinai, where Moses went up to meet with God. And David spent years seeking safety from Saul in the mountains where He discovered His true rock of safety was God.

The Lord is My Rock [Yahweh Sela], my fortress, and my savior;

my God is My Rock [Elohim Tsur], in whom I find protection. (Psalm 18:2)

David’s feet might have been on the mountain, but He was standing on a greater Rock. Both sela and tsur encapsulate the wholeness of the mountain’s structure, with its immovable boulders, defensible cliffs, and protective caves. In calling on the name of Elohim Tsur (or Yahweh Sela) David was saying that God is the Rock that He trusts. Yahweh hides him in the cleft of His care and sets him high above his enemies in His presence, a place that cannot be shaken. In the same song, David rejoiced:

“Then the earth shook and quaked,

The foundations of heaven were trembling

…The foundations of the world were laid bare

By the rebuke of the Lord,

…For who is God, besides the LORD?

And who is a rock (Tsur), besides our God.

…The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock (Tsur);

And exalted be God, the rock of my salvation (Elohim Tsur Yesa). (2 Samuel 22:8, 16, 32, 47)

Moses called on the Rock who gives life (Deuteronomy 32:18). Isaiah called on the Rock of Ages (Isaiah 26:4). Hannah who went to Him childless and mistreated said, “There is no Rock like our Elohim” (1 Samuel 2:2) The psalmists praise Him as the Rock of Refuge (71:3), My Rock and My Redeemer (19:14) and the Rock of my heart (73:26).

They all knew that when the earth is quaking around us, and nothing feels stable, when life is laid bare and uncertainty closes in, there is only one place to go to experience unshakable security.

Hear my cry, O God;

listen to my prayer.

From the ends of the earth I call to you,

I call as my heart grows faint;

lead me to the Rock [Tsur] that is higher than I. (Psalm 61:1-2)

When we feel we are in the deep valley being tossed by waves of uncertainty, or buried under doubts or persecution, we can call out to Elohim Tsur, the Rock that cannot be shaken. Nothing can triumph over Him, and nothing can change Him. He is immovable in His holiness and faithfulness. In every generation, His enduring steadfast love is a shelter for the fainthearted who call on Him. We are lifted high into His care when we will put our trust in Him. God is Our Rock.

SO, WE CALL ON HIS NAME

Elohim Tsur, the whole world is quaking right now as if it is all on shifting sand. Nothing feels dependable. I feel exposed and vulnerable. You alone are My Strong Rock, my place of security and trust. I know you are immovable, so hide me in the cleft, in a safe place that will not shake or falter. I put my trust in You, Rock of my heart.

REFLECT

Because God revealed He alone is Our Rock, where might you be looking for security in unstable places?

Continue your discovery of the strong names of God on Day 4.