Bible Dictionary
REFUGE
A refuge is a place of safety or protection. The Old Testament especially uses the term figuratively of God, who shelters and preserves his people.
Definition
A refuge is a place of resort, safety, or protection. In the Old Testament the term is applied chiefly to God as the secure shelter of his people.
Biblical Usage
God is repeatedly described as a refuge, high tower, dwelling-place, shelter, or hope. These expressions present him as the one to whom his people turn for protection and safety.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ref'-uj: A place of resort and safety. The principal words in the Old Testament are machceh (Ps 14:6; 46:1; 62:7,8; Isa 4:6, etc.), and manoc (2Sa 22:3; Ps 59:16, etc.), both applied chiefly to God as a "refuge" for His people. For the King James Version "refuge" in De 33:27, the Revised Version (British and American) has "dwelling-place," and in Ps 9:9, "high tower." Conversely, the Revised Version (British and American) has "refuge" for the King James Version "shelter" in Ps 61:3, and "hope" in Jer 17:17.</p>