Psalm 46:1 ESV

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 46:1

God is our refuge and strength ,.... That is, Christ, who is God as well as man, is the "refuge" for souls to fly unto for safety; as for sensible sinners, in a view of danger, wrath, and misery, so for saints, in every time of distress; typified by the cities of refuge, under the legal dispensation; See Gill on Psalm 9:9 ; and he it is from whom they have all their spiritual strength, and every renewal and supply of it, to exercise grace, perform duties, withstand enemies, bear the... 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

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 46:1

Verse 1 1.God is our refuge and strength Here the Psalmist begins with a general expression or sentiment, before he comes to speak of the more particular deliverance. He begins by premising that God is sufficiently able to protect his own people, and that he gives them sufficient ground to expect it; for this the word מחסה, machaseh, properly signifies. In the second clause of the verse the verb he is found, which we translate in the present, is in the past tense, he has been found; and,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 46:1

God is our Refuge and Strength (comp. Psalms 18:2 ; Psalms 94:22 , etc.). A very present Help in trouble; literally, a very accessible Help — one easy to be found. 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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 46:1-11

Hope for the troubled. Faith in God assures— I. HELP IN TROUBLE . It may be some storm of outward or of inward trial comes, or both may be combined. Enemies may rage without, and sin may rouse tumults and fears within. But "God is our Refuge;" he is always near, always sufficient. The manslayer might fail to reach the place of safety; but God is at our right hand, and it needs but a cry from our hearts to secure his help. The Israelite might perish, though he had his hand on the... read more

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

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 46:1

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

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 46:1

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 46:1

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 46:1-2

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 46:1-11

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 46:1-11

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 46:1-11

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 46:1-11

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