1 Samuel 2:2 There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside you: neither is there any rock like our God. Neither is there any rock like our God. The figurative representations of God which are given in his word enable us to attain exalted, varied, and most impressive views of his character. They are derived from objects with which the lands of the Bible abounded; and no other lands on earth were equally adapted to be the theatre of a Divine revelation for men universally. Of these representations, this is one of the most common. It was first employed by Jacob (Genesis 49:24 - stone, eben, or rock), with allusion, perhaps, to Genesis 28:11, 22; afterwards by Moses (Deuteronomy 32:4, 18, etc. - rock, tzur = what is solid, firm, enduring; a support, foundation, as in the text), who was so familiar with the rocks and mountains of Sinai; frequently by David (2 Samuel 22:3 - rock, sela = height, cliff or crag, resorted to as a refuge) and the prophets. Notice - I. HIS CHARACTER IS ITSELF. 1. His power. "To know thy power is the root of immortality." 2. His unchangeableness and faithfulness. "I change not" (Malachi 3:6), with reference to his merciful covenant. 3. His eternity. "From everlasting to everlasting." These attributes are ascribed to Christ: "all power" (Matthew 28:18); "the same yesterday, and today, and forever" (Hebrews 1:8-12; Hebrews 13:8). "That Rock was Christ" (1 Corinthians 10:4). He is the highest and the only perfect manifestation of God. "Jesus is that Divine Being to whom we can draw near without pride, and before whom we can be abased without despair" (Pascal). II. HIS SUPERIORITY TO OTHERS. They are - 1. Weak. Their very strength is weakness compared with His infinite power. 2. Changeable. "All men are liars," false, unworthy, and disappointing objects of trust. 3. Transitory. They and their works pass away, whilst the rock endures forever (see Swinnock, - "the incomparableness of God, - 'Works,' vol. 4.). Expect not true or lasting satisfaction from any created object. "Cease ye from man" (Isaiah 2:22). Fear him not (Isaiah 51:12, 13). III. HIS RELATION TO HIS PEOPLE. "Our God." His people are those who live in direct fellowship with him, and show the reality of their fellowship by walking in the light and keeping his commandments. To them he has promised to be all that their true welfare requires. 1. A support; "the immovable foundation on which they may stand firm, impregnable, secure." 2. A defence, protecting them against their enemies; "a shadow from the heat, a refuge from the storm;" bearing on himself the tempest that would have fallen on them. "He that believeth shall not make haste," or be terrified. 3. A source of strength, of peace, and of consolation. "Rabbi Maimon has observed that the word tzur, which we translate rock, signifies, when applied to Jehovah, fountain, source, spring. There is no source whence continual help and salvation can arise but our God" (A. Clarke). IV. HIS CLAIMS UPON ALL. 1. To trust in him. 2. Abide in him; not merely fleeing to him in a time of trouble and danger (as a traveller may seek shelter in a hovel while the storm lasts, and immediately afterwards leave it), but making him our habitation and home. 3. To make him our portion and "exceeding joy." "Trust ye in the Lord forever; for the Lord Jehovah is the Rock of Ages" (Isaiah 26:4). "Rock of Ages, cleft for me; Let me hide myself in thee." = - D. Parallel Verses KJV: There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. |
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