Tzur
The primary meaning of this word is a cliff or sharp rock; figuratively it stands for a refuge. These meanings will illustrate its application when it is used as a title for God. Parkhurst says of it: “A rock, from its firmness, durableness, and stability, is frequently in Scripture used as a Divine title.” The idea is well expressed in well-known words:
God is our refuge and our strength,
In straits a present aid,
It is sometimes used in reference to pagan gods, not as indicating what they
were, but what their worshippers believed them to be.
The following are the occurrences of the title:
| Deut. 32. 4, 15, 18, 30, 31, 37. |
| 1 Sam. 2. 2. |
| 2 Sam. 22. 3, 32, 47 (twice); 23. 3. |
| Psalm 18. 2 (strength), 31, 46; 19. 14 (strength), 28. 1; 61. 2; 62. 2, 6, 7; 73. 26 (strength); 78. 35; 89. 26; 92. 15; 94. 22; 95. 1; 144. 1 (strength). |
| Isaiah 17.10; 26. 4 (strength); 30.29 (Mighty One;) 44. 8 (God). |
| Hab. 1. 12 (Mighty God). |