Deuteronomy 32:4

32:4 As for the Rock, his work is perfect,

for all his ways are just.

He is a reliable God who is never unjust,

he is fair and upright.

Deuteronomy 32:31

32:31 For our enemies’ rock is not like our Rock,

as even our enemies concede.

Psalms 18:31

18:31 Indeed, who is God besides the Lord?

Who is a protector besides our God?


tc The LXX reads Θεός (qeos, “God”) for the MT’s “Rock.”

tn Or “just” (KJV, NAB, NRSV, NLT) or “righteous” (NASB).

tn Heb “their,” but the referent (enemies) is specified in the translation for the sake of clarity.

tn Or “for.”

tn Heb “rocky cliff,” which is a metaphor of divine protection. See v. 2, where the Hebrew term צוּר (tsur) is translated “rocky summit.”

tn The rhetorical questions anticipate the answer, “No one.” In this way the psalmist indicates that the Lord is the only true God and reliable source of protection. See also Deut 32:39, where the Lord affirms that he is the only true God. Note as well the emphasis on his role as protector (Heb “rocky cliff,” צוּר, tsur) in Deut 32:4, 15, 17-18, 30.