1

How is the Lord a refuge for the oppressed? (Psalm 9:9-10)

How is the Lord a refuge for the oppressed? (Psalm 9:9-10)

9 
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,
    a stronghold in times of trouble.
10 
Those who know your name trust in you,
    for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.

Clarify Share Report Asked December 21 2018 My picture Jack Gutknecht Supporter

Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.

4
Mini Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army
Since this psalm is noted as having been written by David, I would say that, in this verse, David was drawing from his own experience with regard to the multiple occasions on which his enemies (such as Saul) had sought to take his life, but where he had been saved through what he regarded as God's protection or intervention (as in 1 Samuel 19:18-24; 23:6-14; 23:24-28).

This verse expresses his belief in the extension of that same protection to all who are persecuted or oppressed not just physically, but spiritually in times of dejection or unhappiness. This should be especially true of Christians because of the eternal life that they have received through faith in Christ, which is greater than any considerations of either happiness or sorrow that the temporal world may bring to them.

December 22 2018 1 response Vote Up Share Report


3
Mini STANLEY S. DRANE Supporter
God will never abandon those who seek him. God's promise does not mean that if we trust him, we will escape loss or suffering. It means that God himself will never leave us, no matter what we face.

December 25 2018 1 response Vote Up Share Report


1
My picture Jack Gutknecht Supporter ABC/DTS graduate, guitar music ministry Baptist church
I used to live in a state with a lot of temptation. But then I read this: "The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble." (Psalm 9:9 ESV).

How has God proved to be my stronghold? One night as I was studying for Arizona Bible College, my former beautiful Spanish teacher from high school (to whom many of her male students were attracted) came to our apartments and sent a messenger up to my apartment inviting me to come down and swim with them. I could see this would be a problem for me morally so I refused. It was just Mom and I in that apartment as my parents had divorced. 

By then I had read the warning in Proverbs 5 and following about giving in to temptation as a man. The psalmist describes Yahweh as a place of refuge for the oppressed. The Hebrew word used here in Psalm 9:9 for "stronghold," misgav, describes high walls or a rocky fortress (Isa 25:12; 33:16). When applied to Yahweh, it emphasizes the stable protection He provides for those in need (Psa 62:6-8).

--Faithlife Study Bible

January 20 2024 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


Add your Answer

All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.

What makes a good answer? ▼

A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.

  1. Adhere to the eBible Statement of Faith.
  2. Your answer should be complete and stand-alone.
  3. Include supporting arguments, and scripture references if possible. Seek to answer the "why".
  4. Adhere to a proper tone and spirit of love and understanding.
  5. For more info see The Complete Guide to eBible
Header
  1. 4000 characters remaining