Psalms46
New Living Translation
1 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
2 So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.
3 Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Interlude
4 A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High.
5 God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it.
6 The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts!
7 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude
8 Come, see the glorious works of the Lord: See how he brings destruction upon the world.
9 He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”
11 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude
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