BSB
Psalms 46
1For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.
2Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas,
3though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge. Selah
4There is a river whose streams delight the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5God is within her; she will not be moved. God will help her when morning dawns.
6Nations rage, kingdoms crumble; the earth melts when He lifts His voice.
7The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
8Come, see the works of the LORD, who brings devastation upon the earth.
9He makes wars to cease throughout the earth; He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the shields in the fire.
10“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth.”
11The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
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Key Words and Topics
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Afflicted Saints: God is With Psalm 46:5, 7
God is within her; she will not be moved. God will help her when morning dawns. / The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
Afflictions and Adversities: Consolation In Psalm 46:1
For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.
Afflictions and Adversities: Resignation In Psalm 46:10
“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth.”
Alamoth: Inscription To Psalm 46:1
For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.
Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Preservation Psalm 46:1–3
For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. / Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas, / though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge. Selah
Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Preservation Psalm 46:1–3
For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. / Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas, / though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge. Selah
Be Still Psalm 46:10
“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth.”
Being Quiet Psalm 46:10
“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth.”
Being Too Busy Psalm 46:10
“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth.”
Burdens Psalm 46:1
For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.
Chariot for War Psalm 46:9
He makes wars to cease throughout the earth; He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the shields in the fire.
Church: Holy Place Psalm 46:4
There is a river whose streams delight the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.
Church: Prophecies Concerning Prosperity of Psalm 46:4, 10
There is a river whose streams delight the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. / “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth.”
Church: Safe Under his Care Psalm 46:1, 2, 5
For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. / Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas, / God is within her; she will not be moved. God will help her when morning dawns.
Church: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Psalm 46:4, 5
There is a river whose streams delight the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. / God is within her; she will not be moved. God will help her when morning dawns.
Cities: Built: Beside Rivers Psalm 46:4
There is a river whose streams delight the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.
Climate Change Psalm 46:2, 3
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas, / though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge. Selah
Defeat Psalm 46:1
For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.
Earthquakes: Frequently Accompanied by Convulsion and Receding of the Sea Psalm 46:3
though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge. Selah
Earthquakes: Frequently Accompanied by Overturning of Mountains Psalm 46:2
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas,
Earthquakes: General Scriptures Concerning Psalm 46:2, 3
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas, / though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge. Selah
Faith: Exemplified Psalm 46:1–3, 5, 7
For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. / Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas, / though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge. Selah
Fear of God: Reverence Psalm 46:10
“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth.”
Fire: Consuming Psalm 46:9
He makes wars to cease throughout the earth; He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the shields in the fire.
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Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
Pastoral and devotional reflections focused on spiritual formation and application.
Psalms 46:1-5 Verses 1-5
This psalm encourages to hope and trust in God; in his power and providence, and his gracious presence with his church in the worst of times. We may apply it to spiritual enemies, and the encouragement we have that, through Christ, we shall be conquerors over them. He is a Help, a present Help, a Help found, one whom we have found to be so; a Help at hand, one that is always near; we cannot desire a better, nor shall we ever find the like in any creature. Let those be troubled at the troubling of the waters, who build their confidence on a floating foundation; but let not those be alarmed who are led to the Rock, and there find firm footing. Here is joy to the church, even in sorrowful times. The river alludes to the graces and consolations of the Holy Spirit, which flow through every part of the church, and through God's sacred ordinances, gladdening the heart of every believer. It is promised that the church shall not be moved. If God be in our hearts, by his word dwelling richly in us, we shall be established, we shall be helped; let us trust and not be afraid.
Psalms 46:6-11 Verses 6-11
Come and see the effects of desolating judgments, and stand in awe of God. This shows the perfect security of the church, and is an assurance of lasting peace. Let us pray for the speedy approach of these glorious days, and in silent submission let us worship and trust in our almighty Sovereign. Let all believers triumph in this, that the Lord of hosts, the God of Jacob, has been, is, and will be with us; and will be our Refuge. Mark this, take the comfort, and say, If God be for us, who can be against us? With this, through life and in death, let us answer every fear.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary
Historical, contextual, and verse-level study notes for deeper biblical exploration.
Psalms 46:1 Upon Alamoth--most probably denotes the treble, or part
refuge--literally, "a place of trust" (Ps 2:12). strength--(Ps 18:2). present help--literally, "a help He has been found exceedingly." trouble--as in Ps 18:7.
Psalms 46:1-11 Upon Alamoth--most probably denotes the treble, or part
sung by female voices, the word meaning "virgins"; and which was sung with some appropriately keyed instrument (compare 1Ch 15:19-21; see on Ps 6:1, title). The theme may be stated in Luther's well-known words, "A mighty fortress is our God." The great deliverance (2Ki 19:35; Isa 37:36) may have occasioned its composition.
Psalms 46:2-3 Upon Alamoth--most probably denotes the treble, or part
The most violent civil commotions are illustrated by the greatest physical commotions.
Psalms 46:3 Upon Alamoth--most probably denotes the treble, or part
swelling--well represents the pride and haughtiness of insolent foes.
Psalms 46:4 Upon Alamoth--most probably denotes the treble, or part
God's favor is denoted by a river (compare Ps 36:8; Zec 14:8; Re 22:1). city of God, the holy place--His earthly residence, Jerusalem and the temple (compare Ps 2:6; 3:4; 20:2; 48:2, &c.). God's favor, like a river whose waters are conducted in channels, is distributed to all parts of His Church. most High--denoting His supremacy (Ps 17:2).
Psalms 46:5 Upon Alamoth--most probably denotes the treble, or part
right early--literally, "at the turn of morning," or change from night to day, a critical time (Ps 30:5; compare Isa 37:36).
Psalms 46:6 Upon Alamoth--most probably denotes the treble, or part
(Compare Ps 46:2). earth melted--all powers dissolved by His mere word (Ps 75:3; Ho 2:22).
Psalms 46:7 Upon Alamoth--most probably denotes the treble, or part
with us--on our side; His presence is terror to our enemies, safety to us. refuge--high place (Ps 9:9; compare also Ps 24:6, 10).
Psalms 46:8 Upon Alamoth--most probably denotes the treble, or part
what desolations--literally, "who hath put desolations," destroying our enemies.
Psalms 46:9 Upon Alamoth--most probably denotes the treble, or part
The usual weapons of war (Ps 7:12), as well as those using them, are brought to an end.
Psalms 46:10 Upon Alamoth--most probably denotes the treble, or part
Be still, &c.--literally, "Leave off to oppose Me and vex My people. I am over all for their safety." (Compare Isa 2:11; Eph 1:22). PSALM 47