Psalms46
New International Version
1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
8 Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.
10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
11 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Study
Psalms 46Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Psalms 46. The full AI study guide (summary, themes, context) has its own page.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: Confidence in God. (1–5). An exhortation to behold it. (6–11).
vv1-5
This psalm encourages to hope and trust in God; in his power and providence, and his gracious presence with his church in the worst of times. We may apply it to spiritual enemies, and the encouragement we have that, through Christ, we shall be conquerors over them. He is a Help, a present Help, a Help found, one whom we have found to be so; a Help at hand, one that is always near; we cannot desire a better, nor shall we ever find the like in any creature. Let those be troubled at the troubling of the waters, who build their confidence on a floating foundation; but let not those be alarmed who are led to the Rock, and there find firm footing. Here is joy to the church, even in sorrowful times. The river alludes to the graces and consolations of the Holy Spirit, which flow through every part of the church, and through God's sacred ordinances, gladdening the heart of every believer. It is promised that the church shall not be moved. If God be in our hearts, by his word dwelling richly in us, we shall be established, we shall be helped; let us trust and not be afraid.
vv6-11
Come and see the effects of desolating judgments, and stand in awe of God. This shows the perfect security of the church, and is an assurance of lasting peace. Let us pray for the speedy approach of these glorious days, and in silent submission let us worship and trust in our almighty Sovereign. Let all believers triumph in this, that the Lord of hosts, the God of Jacob, has been, is, and will be with us; and will be our Refuge. Mark this, take the comfort, and say, If God be for us, who can be against us? With this, through life and in death, let us answer every fear.
Key Words
נָצַח: properly, to glitter from afar, i.e. to be eminent (as a superintendent, especially of the Temple services and its music); to be permanent
בֵּן: a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like father or brother), etc.)
קֹרַח: Korach, the name of two Edomites and three Israelites
עַל: above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
עֲלָמוֹת: properly, girls, i.e. the soprano or female voice, perhaps falsetto
שִׁיר: a song; abstractly, singing
אֱלֹהִים: gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative
מַחֲסֶה: a shelter (literally or figuratively)
עֹז: strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)
מְאֹד: properly, vehemence, i.e. (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or superlative; especially when repeated)
Cross References
Psalms 46The phrase 'God with us' (Immanuel) directly matches the refrain 'The Lord of hosts is with us'.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Contrasts the softly flowing waters of Shiloah/Siloam with the violent raging waters of the sea.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Jehovah serves as a place of broad rivers and streams for the city's quiet defense.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Explicitly interprets raging waters as a metaphor representing hostile multitudes, nations, and peoples.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Illuminates 'at the turn of morning' ('right early') as the time when weeping turns to joy.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
The ultimate fulfillment of 'God is with us' (Immanuel) in the incarnation of Jesus Christ.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Echoes God making wars to cease, breaking weapons, and establishing universal peace.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Parallels the river of God's pleasures that gladdens and sustains His people.
Supported by JFB
The ultimate river of the water of life proceeding from the throne of God.
Supported by JFB
The Holy One of Israel is great in the midst of Zion, ensuring her safety.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Parallels God being exalted in the earth when all human loftiness is brought low.
Supported by JFB
Describes the literal burning of the weapons of war (shields, bows, handstaves, and spears).
Supported by Matthew Poole
Commands the earth to keep silence ('be still') before the Lord in His holy temple.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Provides musical context for 'upon Alamoth' in the temple choir arrangements.
Supported by JFB
Echoes the call to 'Come and see the works of God' in His awesome deeds.
Supported by Matthew Poole