Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5200 Human civilisation  »  5490 refuge

A safe retreat; a place of healing and renewal; also a stronghold from which to launch a counter-attack.

False refuges

Flight

Genesis 3:8-9; Psalm 139:7-12 See also Isaiah 28:15,17

Idolatry

Isaiah 44:9 See also Deuteronomy 32:31,37-38

Human support

Jeremiah 17:5 See also Psalm 20:7-8; Psalm 142:4; Isaiah 30:1-2; Zechariah 4:6; Philippians 3:3

False confidence

Jeremiah 6:14 See also Ezekiel 13:10-12; Matthew 7:26-27; Revelation 6:15-17

God alone is the true refuge of believers

Deuteronomy 33:27 See also 1 Samuel 2:2; 2 Samuel 22:32; Psalm 18:31; Psalm 46:1; Psalm 62:6-7; John 10:28-29; Romans 8:31-32,38-39; Philippians 4:7

Pictures to describe God as a refuge

A fortress

Psalm 46:7 See also Psalm 28:8; Psalm 48:3; Psalm 59:16,16; Psalm 62:2; Psalm 71:3; Psalm 91:2; Psalm 144:1-3

A rock

2 Samuel 22:2-3 pp Psalm 18:2 See also Genesis 49:24; Deuteronomy 32:4,15; 2 Samuel 22:47; Psalm 31:2; Psalm 94:22; Isaiah 26:4; Habakkuk 1:12

A shade

Psalm 91:1 See also Psalm 121:5; Songs 2:3; Isaiah 25:4-5

Sheltering wings

Psalm 57:1 See also Deuteronomy 32:10-11; Ruth 2:12; Psalm 17:8; Psalm 36:7; Matthew 23:37

A shield

Genesis 15:1 See also Deuteronomy 33:29; 2 Samuel 22:31; Psalm 3:3; Psalm 28:7; Psalm 84:11; Proverbs 30:5; Ephesians 6:16

A tower

Proverbs 18:10 See also Psalm 61:3

Cities of refuge

Numbers 35:11 See also Deuteronomy 4:41-43; Deuteronomy 19:1-13; Joshua 20:1-9

See also

1240  God, the Rock
4218  cave
4354  rock
5316  fortress
5491  refugees
5511  safety
5585  towers
5942  security
5954  strength
6510  salvation
7338  cities of refuge
7438  sanctuary