Psalm 46:1-2

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 46:1-11

A Divine Refuge and Strength. The ground-thought is, "God is our Refuge and Strength," and it returns with only a slight change of form at the end of the second and third strophes. The strophes are: Psalms 46:1-3 ; Psalms 46:4-7 ; Psalms 46:8-11 . I. GOD 'S RELATION TO US . 1 . A relation of strength. ( Psalms 46:6 , Psalms 46:7 , Psalms 46:9 .) 2 . Of intimate nearness. ( Psalms 46:5 , Psalms 46:7 .) "In the midst of her." "With us." Immanuel. How... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 46:2

Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed ; or, though the earth change — a somewhat vague expression, probably to be understood of political changes and revolutions (see Psalms 46:6 ). And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; rather, and though the mountains be hurled into the heart of the seas. A metaphor for still more strange and violent disturbances and commotions. The revolutions and disturbances intended are probably those caused by... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 46:1

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

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 46:2

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

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 46:1

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

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 46:2-3

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

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Psalms 46:1-11

Psalm 46-48 When God saved JerusalemConfident in tone and bold in expression, these three psalms express praise to God for delivering Jerusalem from an enemy invasion. One example of such a deliverance was on the occasion of Assyria’s invasion of Judah during the reign of Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:9-19:37).No matter what troubles he meets, whether from earthquakes, floods or wars, the person who trusts in God is not overcome by them (46:1-3). He has an inner calmness, likened to a cool refreshing... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Psalms 46:1

Title. A Song. Hebrew. shir . One of the "Songs" referred to in Isaiah 38:20 (though not the same word). See App-65 . Doubtless Hezekiah's during Sennacherib's siege. No other period of Israel's history suits it. Not celebrating a victorious campaign, but a successful defense. See notes below. Psa 46:47 , Psa 46:48 a Trilogy referring to the same event. See note on "Selah", Psalms 46:11 . our refuge. Figure of speech Cycloides ( App-6 ), because repeated in Psalms 46:7 and Psalms 46:11 .... read more

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