Psalms 46:2

2 Therefore we shall not dread, while the earth shall be troubled; and the hills shall be borne over into the heart of the sea. (And so we shall not fear, when the earth be troubled; and the mountains be carried over into the heart of the sea.)

Psalms 46:2 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 46:2

Therefore will not we fear
, The consideration of the Lord's being the refuge, strength, and help of his people, in all times of trouble and distress, has a great influence on their faith and confidence, and makes them intrepid and fearless in the midst of the greatest dangers: nor indeed have they any reason to be afraid of men or devils, since the Lord is on their side; nor should they indulge a slavish fear on any account whatever;

though the earth be removed;
or "changed" F21, as to its position or fruitfulness; or whatever changes, vicissitudes, and revolutions may be in the kingdoms, nations, and among the inhabitants of the earth, through wars and desolations made thereby;

and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
so the destruction of kingdoms, empires, and cities, is expressed by a like phrase; as of Babylon, ( Jeremiah 51:25 ) ; and of the Roman and Pagan empire, ( Revelation 6:12-14 ) , and of the city of Rome, ( Revelation 8:8 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

F21 (rymhb) "cum mutabit", Pagninus; "etiamsi permutarit", Vatalbulus; "si commutaret", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator; so Ainsworth.

Psalms 46:2 In-Context

1 To the overcomer, the song of the sons of Korah, for youths. Our God, thou art refuge, and virtue; helper in tribulations, that have found us greatly. (To the overcomer, the song for the sons of Korah, for youths. O God, thou art our refuge, and our strength; a great helper in the midst of all the troubles, that have found us.)
2 Therefore we shall not dread, while the earth shall be troubled; and the hills shall be borne over into the heart of the sea. (And so we shall not fear, when the earth be troubled; and the mountains be carried over into the heart of the sea.)
3 The waters of them sounded, and were troubled; hills were troubled (al)together in the strength of him. (And when the waters roar, and be troubled; and the mountains be altogether troubled by his strength, or his might.)
4 The fierceness of [the] flood maketh glad the city of God; the highest God hath hallowed his tabernacle. (There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God; and the Most High God hath hallowed his Temple.)
5 God in the midst thereof shall not be moved; God shall help it early in the gray morrowtide. (God is there in its midst, and that city shall not be shaken, or destroyed; God shall help it early in the gray morning/at the break of day.)
Copyright © 2001 by Terence P. Noble. For personal use only.