King James Bible
"I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust."
The psalmist makes a deliberate declaration about God, emphasizing personal testimony and public confession. This active choice to speak about God's character sets up the intimate relationship that follows. Using military imagery common in ancient warfare, the psalmist depicts God as both a hiding place (refuge) and a stronghold (fortress). These complementary metaphors suggest God provides both immediate shelter from danger and long-term defensive strength. The personal possessive 'my' intensifies the relationship, while the commitment to trust represents the psalmist's response to God's protective nature. This trust is not passive but an active placement of confidence in God's ability to shield and defend.