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Psalms 46

World English Bible

WEB

1For the Chief Musician. By the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2Therefore we won’t be afraid, though the earth changes, though the mountains are shaken into the heart of the seas; 3though its waters roar and are troubled, though the mountains tremble with their swelling. Selah. 4There is a river, the streams of which make the city of God glad, the holy place of the tents of the Most High. 5God is within her. She shall not be moved. God will help her at dawn. 6The nations raged. The kingdoms were moved. He lifted his voice and the earth melted. 7Yahweh of Armies is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. 8Come, see Yahweh’s works, what desolations he has made on the earth. 9He makes wars cease to the end of the earth. He breaks the bow, and shatters the spear. He burns the chariots in the fire. 10“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted on the earth.” 11Yahweh of Armies is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Psalms 46 is a powerful declaration of God's presence and protection in times of trouble. The psalm opens with the affirmation that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (#God #refuge). This assurance encourages believers not to fear, even when the earth shakes and mountains fall into the sea, symbolizing the most chaotic and frightening circumstances. The imagery of natural disasters serves to illustrate that no matter how tumultuous life may become, God remains a steadfast source of security and peace. The psalmist emphasizes that God is in the midst of His people, and they will not be moved, reinforcing the idea of divine stability amidst chaos (#strength #peace).

The psalm continues by highlighting the city of God, which represents His dwelling place among His people. This city is described as joyful and secure, for God is its protector. The nations may rage and kingdoms may totter, but God’s voice is powerful, and He brings desolation to the earth, demonstrating His sovereignty over all creation. The concluding verses call for the recognition of God's authority, urging the nations to be still and know that He is God. This call to stillness is an invitation to trust in His ultimate control and to find peace in His presence, reminding us that He will be exalted among the nations and in the earth (#stillness #sovereignty).

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Referenced by

  1. Job 37:14v10Job 37:14 calls for Job to stand still and consider the wondrous works of God, similar to Psalm 46:10 which invites believers to be still and know that God is God, encouraging reflection on His majesty and power.
  2. Psalms 20:1v1Psalm 20:1 calls upon the LORD to answer in times of trouble, similar to Psalm 46:1 which declares God as a refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
  3. Isaiah 18:4v10Isaiah 18:4 describes God observing quietly from His dwelling place, similar to Psalm 46:10 where God calls for stillness and recognition of His sovereignty, emphasizing His control over the nations.
  4. Isaiah 25:4v1Isaiah 25:4 describes God as a refuge for the poor and needy, similar to Psalm 46:1 where God is depicted as a refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
  5. Ezekiel 38:23v10Ezekiel 38:23 declares that God will magnify Himself and be known among the nations. Psalm 46:10 also calls for recognition of God's sovereignty, urging people to 'be still and know that I am God.' Both passages emphasize God's desire to be acknowledged by all.
  6. Nahum 1:7v1Nahum 1:7 declares that the Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, which is echoed in Psalm 46:1 where God is described as a refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

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