Bible Commentaries
Psalms 46

Verse 1

46:1 [To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon {a} Alamoth.] God [is] our refuge and strength, a very present help in {b} trouble.

(a) Which was either a musical instrument or a solemn tune, to which this psalm was sung.

(b) In all manner of troubles God shows his speedy mercy and power in defending his.

Verse 2

46:2 Therefore will not we {c} fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

(c) That is, we will not be overcome with fear.

Verse 3

46:3 [Though] the waters thereof {d} roar [and] be troubled, [though] the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

(d) Though the afflictions rage, yet the rivers of God’s mercies bring sufficient comfort to his.

Verse 4

46:4 [There is] a {e} river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy [place] of the tabernacles of the most High.

(e) The river of Shiloh, which passed through Jerusalem: meaning, though the defence seems small, yet if God has appointed it, it is sufficient.

Verse 5

46:5 God [is] in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, [and that] {f} right early.

(f) Always when need requires.

Verse 7

46:7 The LORD of hosts [is] {g} with us; the God of Jacob [is] our refuge. Selah.

(g) They are assured that God can and will defend his Church from all dangers and enemies.

Verse 8

46:8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, {h} what desolations he hath made in the earth.

(h) That is, how often he has destroyed his enemies, and delivered his people.

Verse 10

46:10 Be {i} still, and know that I [am] God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

(i) He warns them who persecute the Church to cease their cruelty: for also they will feel that God is too strong for them against whom they fight.