Psalms 46 — with JFB Commentary
The King James text with the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary (1871, public domain) directly beneath the verses it explains. Verses without a JFB note stand alone.
Old Testament
The Pentateuch
The Historical Books
The Wisdom Books
The Major Prophets
The Minor Prophets
New Testament
The Gospels
The Book of Acts
The Pauline Epistles
The General Epistles
The Book of Prophecy
1God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
PSALM 46
Psa 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 Psa 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; Is 37:36) may have occasioned its composition.
1. refuge--literally, "a place of trust" (Psa 2:12).
strength--(Psa 18:2).
present help--literally, "a help He has been found exceedingly."
trouble--as in Psa 18:7.
2Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
2-3. The most violent civil commotions are illustrated by the greatest physical commotions.
3Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
2-3. The most violent civil commotions are illustrated by the greatest physical commotions.
4There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
4. God's favor is denoted by a river (compare Psa 36:8; Zec 14:8; Re 22:1).
city of God, the holy place--His earthly residence, Jerusalem and the temple (compare Psa 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 (Psa 17:2).
5God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
5. right early--literally, "at the turn of morning," or change from night to day, a critical time (Psa 30:5; compare Is 37:36).
6The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
6. (Compare Psa 46:2).
earth melted--all powers dissolved by His mere word (Psa 75:3; Ho 2:22).
7The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
7. with us--on our side; His presence is terror to our enemies, safety to us.
refuge--high place (Psa 9:9; compare also Psa 24:6, 10).
8Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.
8. what desolations--literally, "who hath put desolations," destroying our enemies.
9He 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.
9. The usual weapons of war (Psa 7:12), as well as those using them, are brought to an end.
10Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
10. Be still, &c.--literally, "Leave off to oppose Me and vex My people. I am over all for their safety." (Compare Is 2:11; Ep 1:22).
11The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.