El Tsuri – The Rock

In the Bible, two different Hebrew words are used to call God “the Rock”: El Sela (translated “my Rock”) and El Tsuri (translated “the Rock”).

“He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.” Deuteronomy 32:4

This verse in Deuteronomy marks the first time God is called “the Rock” in Scripture.

Moses uttered these words at the end of his life as he declared God’s faithfulness to the next generation of Israelites, reminding them that even when they and their ancestors had turned away and trusted other gods, the one, true God had remained unchanging in His love for them.

In the Bible, two different Hebrew words are used to call God “the Rock”: El Sela (translated “my Rock”) and El Tsuri (translated “the Rock”).

Both names or titles point to God’s unshakable character, but here’s how they differ: As my Rock, God reveals Himself as the personal foundation upon whom we can build our lives.

In calling upon my Rock, you are saying, “God is my refuge, my shelter from the storms of life. Since my God, my Rock, cannot be shaken, my position in Him cannot be shaken and my ultimate well-being can never be threatened.”

But God is more than a personal God. He is also the Rock of the universe. He is the foundation of creation.

Everything—from the laws of physics to the unchanging laws of morality—is unshakable, because God is the permanent, changeless foundation of all reality.

Hebrews 13:8 assures us that our LORD is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

His character does not change. His love does not fluctuate—neither do His standards. What was right and wrong yesterday will still be right and wrong tomorrow.

Heaven doesn’t follow fads or the latest trends. God’s standards stand with rock-solid certainty and timelessness.
The fact that God is the Rock should inspire a wholesome fear in us—and also deep comfort.

With absolute divine stability, we know what to expect. We can be sure of His love for us and of His promise of salvation through Jesus.

If He’s not already, make the Rock your Rock. Nothing will ever triumph over Him. Nothing will overcome Him. Nothing can change Him. We can count on these truths. We can count on the Rock.

Are you trusting in the only immovable, unshakable thing in this life—the divine Rock?

Prayer:
God, help me find security in knowing that You are not only my Rock but the Rock, the firm foundation of the seen and unseen universe. Amen.

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