The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted (comp. Psalms 46:2 and Psalms 46:3 ). The past tenses arc probably the "preterite of prophetic certainty." The writer foresees and announces the destruction of Israel's enemies. read more
God is our refuge and strength - God is for us as a place to which we may flee for safety; a source of strength to us in danger. The first word, “refuge,” from a verb meaning to “flee,” and then “to flee to” - הסה châsâh - or to take shelter in - denotes a place to which one would flee in time of danger - as a lofty wall; a high tower; a fort; a fortress. See the notes at Psalms 18:2. The idea here is, that the people of God, in time of danger, may find him to be what such a place of refuge... read more
Therefore will not we fear - Our confidence in God shall be unshaken and abiding. Having Him for our refuge and strength Psalms 46:1, we can have nothing to fear. Compare Psalms 56:3.Though the earth be removed - literally, “in the changing of the earth;” that is, though the earth should be changed. This may either mean, Though the earth should change its place or its very structure in these convulsions; or, though it should perish altogether. Compare Psalms 102:26. The idea is, that they would... read more
Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled - The waters of the sea. The idea is, that they would not be afraid though everything should be in commotion, and be as unsettled as the restless waves of the ocean. The earth might be changed, the mountains removed, the agitated sea roar and dash against the shore, but their minds would be calm. The word rendered “be troubled” means to boil; to ferment; to foam; and here it refers to the ocean as agitated and lashed into foam. Nothing is more... read more
There is a river - There is no allusion here to any particular stream or river, but the image is designed to represent a state of peace and calm security in contrast with the rough and troubled ocean. While the ocean rages, and foams, and dashes against the mountains as if it would overturn them, the state of Jerusalem, the city of God, was well represented by a calm and gently-flowing river; a river of full banks, diffusing joy and fertility and beauty wherever it flowed. This image, to... read more
God is in the midst of her - God is in the midst of the “city” referred to above - the “city of God.” That is,(a) he dwelt there by the visible symbol of his presence, the Shekinah;(b) he was there “actually” as a help and a protector.It was his chosen abode, and as long as such a Being dwelt in the city, they had nothing to fear.God shall help her - That is, in her danger, he will interpose to save her. This is language such as would be used in reference to a place that was besieged, and would... read more
The heathen raged - The nations were in commotion, or were agitated like the waves of the sea. This language would well describe the consternation of the nations when the Assyrians went forth to conquest, and when, having subdued so many other kingdoms, they made war on Jerusalem. Compare Isaiah 36:18-20.The kingdoms were moved - That is, those who were invaded, as well as those that made the invasion. There was a general convulsion or shaking among the nations of the earth.He uttered his voice... read more
Psalms 46:1. God is our refuge and strength He hath manifested himself to be so in the course of his providence in time past, and he has engaged to be so in time to come, and will not fail to fulfil his engagement. Are we in danger from visible or invisible enemies? God is our refuge, to whom we may flee, and in whom we may be safe. Have we work to do, a warfare to accomplish, and sufferings to endure? God is our strength to bear us up under our burdens, and to fit us for all our services... read more
Psalms 46:2-3 . Therefore will not we fear They that, with a holy reverence, fear God, need not, with any amazement, be afraid of any power of earth or hell. If God be for us, who can be against us? It is our duty, it is our privilege to be thus fearless. It is an evidence of a clear conscience, of an upright heart, and of a lively faith in God and in his providence and promise. Though the earth The very foundation on which we stand, and on which are built all our temporal blessings; ... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 46:5
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved. While the world is being turned upside down ( Psalms 46:2 , Psalms 46:3 , Psalms 46:6 ), the Church is unmoved—since "God is in the midst of her." God shall help her , and that right early; literally, at the turning of the morning , or, in other words, "at the break of day" (comp. Psalms 30:6 ; Psalms 49:14 ; Isaiah 17:14 ). The deliverance of Israel from Sennacherib came, it is to be remembered, when it was discovered... read more