Psalm 46:1-5

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

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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 46:4

There is a river ,.... The allusion is either to the river Kidron, which ran by Jerusalem; or to the waters of Shiloah, which by different courses and branches, ran through the city of Jerusalem, and supplied the several parts of it with water, to the joy and comfort of its inhabitants: but the words are to be understood in a figurative sense, as applicable to Gospel times; and this river either designs the Gospel, the streams of which are its doctrines, which are living waters that went... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 46:5

God is in the midst of her ,.... The church and people of God; not merely by his essence, power, and providence, as he is in the midst of the world; but by his gracious presence, and which always continues, though not always perceived; and is a sufficient antidote against all fear of men and devils; she shall not be moved ; though the earth may; and when it is, Psalm 46:2 , neither from the heart of God, on which his people are set as a seal; nor from the hands of Christ, from whence... 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

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