David uses five metaphors in this verse to describe God's relationship with him. He views God as his rock, his fortress, his shield, the horn of his salvation, and his stronghold. These metaphors identify David as a warrior. As he fought his enemies, he relied on God for protection.
About twenty times in Psalms the Lord is referred to as a Rock because of the security He provides for those who trust in Him (for example, Psalm 19:14; 28:1; 62:2; 94:22).
As David's fortress, God was his refuge. A fortress is meant to protect against hostile enemies—no fortress built by human hands provided as much protection for David as the fortress that was the Lord.
The Lord was also David's shield (Psalm 3:3). As his shield, the Lord protected David from his foes. He covered David as a shield covers a soldier.
In David's era, horns were symbolic of strength, which is why they are often used as metaphors for kings and rulers (Daniel 7:8; Revelation 17:12). As David's horn of salvation, the Lord empowered and delivered him.
As David's stronghold, God provided protection, much as a high, safe place provides refuge and protection for a soldier. Believers today have the Lord Jesus Christ as our refuge and shield. The apostle Paul referred to our lives as "hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3).
