The Bible: Psalms Chapter 46: with Audio and Commentary.

Version: World English Bible.

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Psalms Chapter 46 For the Chief Musician. By the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth.

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 its waters 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 within her. 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 The LORD of Armies is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

8 Come, see the LORD'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 amongst the nations. I will be exalted in the earth."

11 The LORD of Armies is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

Footnotes

Title
Alamoth is a musical term.

Version: World English Bible

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Psalms Chapter 46 For the Chief Musician. By the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. Guide

Comment on this great song of confidence seems almost unnecessary so powerfully has it taken hold on the heart of humanity, and so perfectly does it set forth the experience of trusting souls in all ages and in tumultuous times.

The system of the song is worth noting. It is divided into three parts. The first (verses Psalms 46:1-3) is the challenge of confidence. The second (verses Psalms 46:4-7) tells the secret of confidence. The third (verses Psalms 46:8-11) declares the vindication of confidence.

The challenge announces confidence in God as refuge and strength and very present help, and defies fear even in the midst of the wildest upheavals. In days when tempests shake loose all solid things and the restless waters roar and surge till mountains shake, the soul is confident. The secret of the confidence is the consciousness of the nearness of God. He is a river of gladness in the midst of the city. What matters the tumult around? The vindication of confidence is found in observing God's activity in all surrounding things from this place of safety and strength within the city. The twice repeated refrain (verses Psalms 46:7-11) is full of beauty as it reveals the twofold conception of God, which is the deepest note in the music. He is the King of all hosts. He is the God of the individual. Scholars believe, and with every reason, that the refrain should also occur between verses 3 and 4. This certainly perfects the literary form and adds to the beauty of the psalm.

From "An Exposition of the Whole Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.

Psalms Chapter 46 Commentary

Chapter Outline

  1. Confidence in God. -- (1-5)
  2. An exhortation to behold it. -- (6-11)

Verses 1-5

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.

Verses 6-11

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.

From the "Concise Commentary on the Bible" by Matthew Henry.