As I was reading my book, Reflection: Journey through the Psalms, I came across a quote from the prophet Isaiah in chapter 61 (pages 135-137). King David is the author of this lament-type psalm. Regardless of the type, David restates his confidence in God as his “strong tower.” This verse follows David’s request for God to lead him to “the rock that is higher than I.”
The Hebrew word (tsur) for rock is defined as, “a cliff, boulder, strong rock, refuge,” per one source. The Greek equivalent (petra) is the feminine form of the noun that generally means, “a massive rock and immovable.”
Like David, we too today have the same request that our God would lead us to that rock and strong tower for our eternal safety. Here’s the quote directly from Isaiah, “Trust in the LORD forever for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.” (Isaiah 26:4) Yes, The Rock saves us as He proclaimed us blameless before the throne by his bloody and painful death on Calvary’s cross.
The prophet Isaiah lived hundreds of years prior to our LORD’s walk on this earth. But his prophesy is right on! But for a minute, let’s just think about rocks in general. I researched for someone who might have classified the world’s largest rocks. Low and behold, I found a list of the “world’s largest monoliths.” What is a monolith? One dictionary defines it this way: “any single natural rock formation.” I have prepared a table with the largest 12 monoliths, according to www.thetravel.com/largest-monoliths-world-largest-rock.
| Rank | Name | Location | Dimension |
| 1 | Savandurga | India | 4,000 ft. above sea level |
| 2 | El Capitan | Yosemite Valley USA | 3,000 ft. |
| 3 | Uluru/Ayer’s Rock* ** | Australia | 2,831 ft. |
| 4 | Zuma Rock | Nigeria | 2,397 ft |
| 5 | Stawamus Chief | Canada | 2,297 ft |
| 6 | Rock of Gibraltar | British/Mediterranean | 1,396 ft |
| 7 | Ben Amera | Mauritania | 1,300+ ft |
| 8 | Sugar Loaf Mtn | Brazil | 1,299 ft. |
| 9 | Sigiriya | Sri Lanka | 1,200 ft |
| 10 | Devil’s Tower | USA | 867 ft |
| 11 | Rock of Guatape’ | Colombia | 708 steps to top |
| 12 | Scullin Monolith | Antarctica | 435 meters |
*Six miles in circumference – the largest monolith in surface area
** Mt. Augustus (Australia) is actually the highest (1,105 meters) but is NOT a monolith, rather is a combination of rock types.
As I perused the pictures of these giant formations, I was in awe. Just think, Ayer’s Rock is six miles in circumference! The Romans even gave the Rock of Gibraltar a surname – the pillar of Hercules. But with all these massive formations, none can compare to The Rock! Yes, these rocks in their size and stature are giving praise to their Creator, The Rock himself.
The Rock creates, The Rock saves, and above all, The Rock is my friend. My friendship started at the baptismal font when I came to faith in my LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ. In conclusion, let me leave you with another of king David’s psalms. “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)
Peace
Connected in Him, I stand.
GHR
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Thank you.