Psalms 46

Listen to Psalms 46

1 God is our ¹refuge and strength, a very ²present^[a] help in ³trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear ⁴though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into ⁵the heart of the sea,

3 though ⁶its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

4 There is ⁷a river whose streams make glad ⁸the city of God, the holy ⁹habitation of the Most High.

5 ¹⁰God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.

6 ¹¹The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he ¹²utters his voice, the earth ¹³melts.

7 ¹⁴The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

8 ¹⁵Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has brought desolations on the earth.

9 ¹⁶He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he ¹⁷breaks the bow and shatters the spear; ¹⁸he burns the chariots with fire.

10 ¹⁹"Be still, and know that I am God. ²⁰I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"

11 ²¹The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

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Psalms 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.

Taken from Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Concise)

Cross References 21

1. See Psalms 14:6
2. Psalms 145:18; Deuteronomy 4:7
3. Psalms 9:9
4. [Psalms 18:7]
5. Ezekiel 27:26
6. [Psalms 93:3, 4; Jeremiah 5:22]
7. Psalms 36:8; Psalms 65:9; [Isaiah 8:6; Isaiah 33:21; Revelation 22:1, 2]
8. Psalms 48:1; Psalms 87:3; [Isaiah 60:14]
9. Psalms 43:3; Psalms 84:1
10. Leviticus 26:12; Deuteronomy 23:14; Isaiah 12:6; Ezekiel 43:7, 9; Hosea 11:9; Joel 2:27; Zephaniah 3:15; Zech. 2:5, 10, 11; Zechariah 8:3
11. Psalms 2:1
12. Psalms 18:13; Psalms 68:33; Psalms 76:8; Jeremiah 25:30; Joel 2:11; Joel 3:16; Amos 1:2
13. Exodus 15:15; Joshua 2:9, 24; Amos 9:5
14. ver. 11; 2 Chronicles 13:12; 2 Chronicles 20:17; [Numbers 14:9]
15. Psalms 66:5
16. Isaiah 2:4; Micah 4:3
17. Psalms 76:3; 1 Samuel 2:4
18. Ezekiel 39:9
19. [Exodus 14:13]
20. Isaiah 2:11, 17; Isaiah 33:10
21. [See ver. 7 above]