Psalm 46:1-9 NASB

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 46:9

He maketh wars to cease unto the ends of the earth ,.... As at the birth of Christ, the Prince of peace, in the times of Augustus Caesar, when there was a general peace in the world, though it did not last long; and in the times of Constantine, signified by silence in heaven for half an hour, Revelation 8:1 ; when for a while there was a cessation from wars and persecution; and as will be in the latter day, and which is here chiefly designed; when nations shall learn war no more, and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 46:1

God is our refuge - It begins abruptly, but nobly; ye may trust in whom and in what ye please: but God (Elohim) is our refuge and strength. A very present help - A help found to be very powerful and effectual in straits and difficulties. The words are very emphatic: מאד נמצא בצרות עזרה ezerah betsaroth nimtsa meod , "He is found an exceeding, or superlative help in difficulties." Such we have found him, and therefore celebrate his praise. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 46:2

Therefore will not we fear - Let what commotions will take place in the earth, we will trust in the all-powerful arm of God. Probably the earthquake referred to, here means political commotions, such as those mentioned under the title; and by mountains, kings or secular states may be intended. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 46:3

Though the waters thereof roar - Waters, in prophetic language, signify people; and, generally, people in a state of political commotion, here signified by the term roar. And by these strong agitations of the people, the mountains - the secular rulers, shake with the swelling thereof - tremble, for fear that these popular tumults should terminate in the subversion of the state. This very people had seen all Asia in a state of war. The Persians had overturned Asia Minor, and destroyed the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 46:4

There is a river, the streams whereof - The Chaldee understands the river, and its streams or divisions, as pointing out various peoples who should be converted to the faith and thus make glad the city of God, Jerusalem by their flowing together to the worship of the true God. But the river may refer to the vast Medo-Persian army and its divisions: those branches which took Babylon; and, instead of ruining and destroying the poor Jews, preserved them alive, and gave them their liberty; and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 46:5

God is in the midst of her - God will not abandon them that trust in him; he will maintain his own cause; and, if his Church should at any time be attacked, he will help her and that right early - with the utmost speed. As soon as the onset is made, God is there to resist. As by the day-break the shadows and darkness are dissipated; so by the bright rising of Jehovah, the darkness of adversity shall be scattered. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 46:6

The heathen raged - There had been terrible wars on all hands, and mighty states were crushed, when the poor Jews were, by the especial favor of God, kept in peace and safety. Kingdoms were moved while they were preserved. He uttered his voice - These words seem to refer to thunder, lightning, and earthquake. The expressions, however, may be figurative, and refer to the wars and desolations already mentioned. God gave the command; and one empire was cast down, and another was raised up. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 46:7

The Lord of hosts is with us - We, feeble Jesvs, were but a handful of men; but the Lord of hosts - the God of armies, was on our side. Him none could attack with hope of success, and his legions could not be over-thrown. The God of Jacob - The God who appeared to Jacob in his distress, and saved him out of all his troubles, appeared also for us his descendants, and has amply proved to us that he has not forgotten his covenant. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 46:8

Come, behold the works of the Lord - See empires destroyed and regenerated; and in such a way as to show that a supernatural agency has been at work. By the hand of God alone could these great changes be effected. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 46:9

He maketh wars to cease - By the death of Cambyses, and setting Darius, son of Hystaspes, upon the Persian throne, he has tranquillized the whole empire. That same God who for our unfaithfulness has delivered us into the hands of our enemies, and subjected us to a long and grievous captivity and affliction, has now turned our captivity, and raised us up the most powerful friends and protectors in the very place in which we have been enduring so great a fight of afflictions. He breaketh... read more

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 46:9

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 46:1

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 46:2

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 46:3

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 46:4

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 46:5

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 46:6

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 46:7

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 46:8

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 46:9

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