Page 64 - The Poetic Books - Student Text

Study Section 7: The Psalms - continued

7.1 Connect

Psalm 1 and 2 contain several themes that are developed throughout the psalter, especially
the need for righteousness and God’s Son, the Messiah King. Another of the most crucial
theological aspects involves our response to God’s Son. As we realize our own sinfulness
and his greatness, we must decide what to do with him. Will we accept the reality of our
inability to be righteous, fruitful? Will we accept the need to fear Yahweh and his Son?

Quite a few terms express the suggested relationship with God: be wise, serve, wrath, nations, fear, and
joy. We might well study each of these terms throughout the psalms for a fuller picture. The word
“refuge” is specifically tied to the blessing of God. “Blessed are all who take refuge in him (2:12).” As
much as any other word picture, “refuge” communicates powerfully about our faith commitment to
God’s Messiah.

The Hebrew word for “refuge” or “to take refuge in” occurs 56x in the OT,
mostly in Psalms. Ancient people took refuge from a rainstorm and other
dangers (Isa. 4:6). “This idea of taking refuge may well derive from the
common experience of fugitives or of men at war, for whom the adjacent hills
provided a ready ‘safe height’ or ‘strong rock’ to which the often helpless
defender could hurry for protection.” The metaphor aptly pictures someone
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who realizes a lack of personal righteousness in the face of God’s anger. He
runs for the only sure refuge available, God’s Son, hoping without reserve for a
safe haven and more besides. “I am helpless. I need him,” says the believer.
Figure 33: WWII protection
7.2 Objectives

1. You will see how the idea of “refuge” is the main description of our faith in God’s Savior.

2. You will start to interpret Psalms through this lens by working through Psalm 3.

3. You will begin to apply this new understanding of Psalms to modern worship practices.

104 R.Laird Harris, ”dsx” TWOT, vol. 1, 307-308.
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