refuge

Everyday

1. Refuge is safety or shelter from danger, trouble or bad weather. tree →
2. A refuge is a place that gives this safety, like a shelter for animals, a mountain hut or a safe house for people escaping violence. tree →
3. (church, Bible) Christians and Jews pray that God is their refuge, meaning a safe place to trust. tree →

In the lessons

In geography and news, people "seek refuge" in another country, and a person given refuge may be called a refugee. In nature lessons, a wildlife refuge protects animals. In safety, a refuge on a busy road (a traffic island) is a safe place to stop when crossing. In the Psalms, God is called "my refuge and my strength". Phrases: "take refuge", "seek refuge", "a place of refuge", "wildlife refuge", "women's refuge".

Examples

• We took refuge under a tree when the storm started. tree →
• The family sought refuge in another country after the war. tree →
• The bird reserve is a refuge for wild geese. tree →
• (Bible) The psalm says, "God is our refuge and strength." tree →
• Climbers sheltered in a mountain refuge for the night. tree →
• Wait on the traffic refuge in the middle of the road. tree →
• The library was her refuge when the playground got too noisy. tree →
• "Peasant," cries the Demon, "wherever can I take refuge?" tree →

Note

Uncountable for the idea ("take refuge"), countable for a place ("two refuges"). A refugee is a person who has to flee their country to find refuge. Pronounced REF-yooj. Do not confuse with "refuse" (rubbish, or to say no).

In Jewish tradition

In the Psalms people take refuge in God, and God is called a refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Happy are all who take refuge in Him.

Interpretation. Six cities of refuge were set apart, and the accidental killer had to stay there until the high priest died; the rabbis treated this as both protection and a kind of penance. The Psalms' picture of God as a refuge is read as a promise that He protects those who trust Him.

Examples

• And as to the cities which ye shall give, there shall be for you six cities of refuge. (Torah NUM.35.13, JPS 1917) tree →
• But if the manslayer shall at any time go beyond the border of his city of refuge, whither he fleeth; (Torah NUM.35.26, JPS 1917) tree →
• then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you, that the manslayer that killeth any person through error may flee thither. (Torah NUM.35.11, JPS 1917) tree →
• Happy are all they that take refuge in Him. (Writings PSA.2.12, JPS 1917) tree →
• Keep me, O God; for I have taken refuge in Thee. (Writings PSA.16.1, JPS 1917) tree →
• God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Writings PSA.46.2, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Uncountable for the idea ("take refuge"), countable for a place ("two refuges"). A refugee is a person who has to flee their country to find refuge. Pronounced REF-yooj. Do not confuse with "refuse" (rubbish, or to say no).