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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 46:1-5

The psalmist here teaches us by his own example. I. To triumph in God, and his relation to us and presence with us, especially when we have had some fresh experiences of his appearing in our behalf (Ps. 46:1): God is our refuge and strength; we have found him so, he has engaged to be so, and he ever will be so. Are we pursued? God is our refuge to whom we may flee, and in whom we may be safe and think ourselves so; secure upon good grounds, Prov. 18:10. Are we oppressed by troubles? Have we... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible 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... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 46:3

Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled ,.... The noise of which causes men's hearts to fail them for fear, Luke 21:25 ; though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof . All these figurative expressions denote the hurlyburlies, confusions, and disorders that have been or will be in the world; amidst all which the people of God have no reason to fear; for it is always well with the righteous, let it go how it will with others. The passage may be applied to the... 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

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 46:3

Verse 3 3Though the waters thereof roar, etc This verse ought to be read in connection with the verse which follows, because it is necessary to complete the sense, as if it had been said: Though the waters of the sea roar and swell, and by their fierce impetuosity shake the very mountains — even in the midst of these dreadful tumults, the holy city of God will continue to enjoy comfort and peace, satisfied with her small streams. The relative pronoun her, according to the common usage of the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 46:1-2

The unchangeableness of God. "God as our Refuge," etc. Mountains are the grandest of God's earthly works; natural images of majesty, strength, durableness. Rearing their peaks above the clouds, they gather the airy treasures of snow and rain; and pour from never-failing fountains the streams that water the valleys and feed the plains. Natural fortresses, where liberty has often found an impregnable asylum. Yet they are perishable. Waters wear their rocky sides. Earthquakes and landslips... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 46:1-11

The metrical construction is very simple and regular, if, with several eminent critics, we restore, after Psalms 46:3 , the refrain of Psalms 46:7 and Psalms 46:11 , which seems to have accidentally fallen out. We then have three stanzas of four verses each, each stanza terminating with the same refrain. "Upon Alamoth" in the title is best explained as a musical direction—to be sung upon high notes, with voices shrill and clear, like those of "virgins." read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 46:1-11

Our Refuge. The whole spirit of this noble psalm is condensed in this one phrase—"God is our Refuge." The Hebrew, as the margin of our Bibles shows, has a different word in Psalms 46:7 , Psalms 46:11 from Psalms 46:1 , signifying "a high place" (Revised Version, "or a high tower")—a retreat beyond reach of foes. The word in Psalms 46:1 means "somewhere [or, 'some one'] to trust in. " These two thoughts — trust and safety —are well expressed in our word " Refuge. " ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 46:1-11

The saint's stronghold. This psalm is one of those "for the sons of Korah," on which see our remarks on Psalms 42:1-11 . It is "a song upon Alamoth," which, according to Furst, £ is the proper name of a musical choir. As the word "Alamoth" means "virgins," it is supposed that the song was for soprano voices. We have, however, to deal with the contents of the song itself. It has long been a favourite with the people of God. "This is my psalm," said Luther. To this we owe his "Ein feste... read more

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