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NOTES for Psa 46

Printable version
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.
9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.
10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
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God is called a refuge and strength, a reliable fortress that protects against every calamity. With Him, there is nothing to fear: neither natural disasters nor the turmoil of nations mentioned alongside them, which can be no less destructive.

But then the psalmist notes that the Lord has ended wars. More than that, He has destroyed the weapons that people love so much. Here is an early mention of disarmament! What lies behind these words? Are they an eyewitness’s testimony to the ending of one of the ancient world’s constant and interminable wars? Or do we have before us a prophecy whose fulfillment is still to come?

Does the prophecy not warn us that the Lord can intervene in our quarrels in order to end them and establish His justice? But might such intervention prove harsh and unbearable for us? It is not by chance that the psalmist speaks of the devastations... wrought by the Lord.

Yet these same words may also be an appeal to us: with God’s help, make peace and put an end to your squabbles. Otherwise you will bring about a situation in which none of you is victorious.

Other notes

 
For Psa 46:1-9
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.
9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.
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The words of the psalm are addressed not only to the Israelites but to all peoples. This alone speaks of its prophetic character...  Read more

The words of the psalm are addressed not only to the Israelites but to all peoples. This alone speaks of its prophetic character, for at the time it was composed it was difficult to imagine that the Gentiles would accept the one God. But the Lord is the great King over all the earth. He reigns not over one people alone, but over the nations. Therefore, all peoples are called to sing His praise, for the Lord wishes to reveal Himself to everyone.

The call to rejoice does not contradict the Lord's being called awesome. Of course, fear makes rejoicing impossible, but the reason for joy is union with God. He brings many gifts to His faithful, but the chief gift is He Himself, revealed to humankind. The joy of communion with Him is not thoughtless frivolity. Those who follow the Lord are called to sing with understanding. Therefore, reason is necessary for knowing God and living with Him, and there is no contradiction between faith and reason.

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