Psalm 46

1 Dem Vorsänger. Von den Söhnen Korahs; auf Alamoth, ein Lied. Gott ist uns Zuflucht und Stärke, eine Hilfe, reichlich gefunden in Drangsalen.

2 Darum werden wir uns nicht fürchten, wenngleich gewandelt würde die Erde, und wenn die Berge wankten im Herzen des Meeres,

3 wenn seine Wasser tobten und schäumten, die Berge erbebten durch sein Ungestüm. (Sela.)

4 Ein Strom, seine Bäche erfreuen die Stadt Gottes, das Heiligtum der Wohnungen des Höchsten.

5 Gott ist in ihrer Mitte, sie wird nicht wanken; Gott wird ihr helfen beim Anbruch des Morgens.

6 Es toben die Nationen, die Königreiche wanken; er läßt seine Stimme erschallen: die Erde zerschmilzt.

7 Jehova der Heerscharen ist mit uns, eine hohe Feste ist uns der Gott Jakobs. (Sela.)

8 Kommet, schauet die Großtaten Jehovas, der Verheerungen angerichtet hat auf der Erde!

9 Der die Kriege beschwichtigt bis an das Ende der Erde, den Bogen zerbricht und den Speer zerschlägt, die Wagen mit Feuer verbrennt.

10 Lasset ab und erkennet, daß ich Gott bin! Ich werde erhöht werden unter den Nationen, ich werde erhöht werden auf Erden.

11 Jehova der Heerscharen ist mit uns, eine hohe Feste ist uns der Gott Jakobs. (Sela.)

Psalm 46 Commentary

Chapter 46

Confidence in God. (1-5) 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.

Chapter Summary

To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. The word "Alamoth" is thought by some, as Aben Ezra, to be the beginning of a song, to which this psalm was set; and by others a high tune, such as virgins express; and by others the name of musical instruments, as Jarchi and Kimchi; which seems most likely, since it is mentioned with other instruments of music in 1 Chronicles 15:19; and may not unfitly be rendered "virginals," from the sound of them being like the shrill voice of virgins, which this word signifies; though others choose to render it "of hidden things," {s}, making it to design the subject matter of the psalm, the secret counsels and purposes of God, both in a way of love and grace to his people, and of judgment to his enemies. Some think this psalm was occasioned by the victories which David obtained over the Ammonites and Moabites, and other neighbouring countries; and others are of opinion that it was penned on account of the siege of Jerusalem by Sennacherib being raised, in the times of Hezekiah: but it seems rather to be a prophecy of the church in Gospel times, and is applicable to any time of confusion and distress the nations of the world may be in through any kind of calamity, when those that trust in the Lord have no reason in the least to be afraid. Kimchi says this psalm belongs to future times; either to the gathering of the captives, or to the war of Gog and Magog; to which also R. Obadiah refers it, and Jarchi interprets it of time to come; according to the Targum it was written by the sons of Korah, when their father was hid from them, and they were delivered.

{s} twmle le upev twn krufiwn, Sept. "pro arcanis," V. L.