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Psalms 46:1-11 World English Bible (WEB)

1 > God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we won't be afraid, though the earth changes, Though the mountains are shaken into the heart of the seas;

3 Though the waters of it roar and are troubled, Though the mountains tremble with their swelling. Selah.

4 There is a river, the streams of which make the city of God glad, The holy place of the tents of the Most High.

5 God is in her midst. She shall not be moved. God will help her at dawn.

6 The nations raged. The kingdoms were moved. He lifted his voice, and the earth melted.

7 Yahweh of Hosts is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

8 Come, see Yahweh's works, What desolations he has made in the earth.

9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth. He breaks the bow, and shatters the spear. He burns the chariots in the fire.

10 "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth."

11 Yahweh of Hosts is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

Commentary on Psalms 46 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible


PSALM 46

Ps 46:1-11. Upon Alamoth—most probably denotes the treble, or part sung by female voices, the word meaning "virgins"; and which was sung with some appropriately keyed instrument (compare 1Ch 15:19-21; see on Ps 6:1, title). The theme may be stated in Luther's well-known words, "A mighty fortress is our God." The great deliverance (2Ki 19:35; Isa 37:36) may have occasioned its composition.

1. refuge—literally, "a place of trust" (Ps 2:12).

strength—(Ps 18:2).

present help—literally, "a help He has been found exceedingly."

trouble—as in Ps 18:7.

2, 3. The most violent civil commotions are illustrated by the greatest physical commotions.

3. swelling—well represents the pride and haughtiness of insolent foes.

4. God's favor is denoted by a river (compare Ps 36:8; Zec 14:8; Re 22:1).

city of God, the holy place—His earthly residence, Jerusalem and the temple (compare Ps 2:6; 3:4; 20:2; 48:2, &c.). God's favor, like a river whose waters are conducted in channels, is distributed to all parts of His Church.

most High—denoting His supremacy (Ps 17:2).

5. right early—literally, "at the turn of morning," or change from night to day, a critical time (Ps 30:5; compare Isa 37:36).

6. (Compare Ps 46:2).

earth melted—all powers dissolved by His mere word (Ps 75:3; Ho 2:22).

7. with us—on our side; His presence is terror to our enemies, safety to us.

refuge—high place (Ps 9:9; compare also Ps 24:6, 10).

8. what desolations—literally, "who hath put desolations," destroying our enemies.

9. The usual weapons of war (Ps 7:12), as well as those using them, are brought to an end.

10. Be still, &c.—literally, "Leave off to oppose Me and vex My people. I am over all for their safety." (Compare Isa 2:11; Eph 1:22).