Psalms 46

King James Version

Full text for Psalms Chapter 46

1¶ To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God [is] our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

2Therefore 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.

5God [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.

7The LORD of hosts [is] with us; the God of Jacob [is] our refuge. Selah.

8Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.

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.

10Be still, and know that I [am] God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

11The LORD of hosts [is] with us; the God of Jacob [is] our refuge. Selah.

AI Analysis

AI Summaries

Short Summary

Psalms 46 declares God as an ever-present refuge and strength, inspiring unwavering trust even amidst cosmic upheaval. It portrays God's dwelling in His holy city, ensuring its stability against all adversaries. The psalm culminates in a call to acknowledge God's supreme power, as He brings an end to wars and is exalted over all the earth.

Medium Summary

This psalm, addressed to the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, extols God as an immediate refuge and strength during times of distress. It asserts that His presence eliminates fear, even if the earth were to be removed and mountains cast into the sea, or if waters roared with great turbulence. The psalm then describes a life-giving river that brings joy to the city of God, where the Most High dwells, ensuring its steadfastness and divine assistance. It contrasts the raging of nations and the moving of kingdoms with God's powerful voice, which causes the earth to melt. The psalmist invites all to witness the Lord's mighty works, specifically His ability to cease wars and destroy instruments of battle globally. The chapter concludes with a divine command to "Be still, and know that I am God," affirming His ultimate exaltation among all nations and throughout the earth, reiterating that the LORD of hosts remains with His people.

Long Summary

Psalm 46 begins by proclaiming God as the ultimate refuge and strength, an ever-present and readily available helper in times of trouble. This foundational truth leads the psalmist to declare an absence of fear, even when faced with the most catastrophic natural phenomena, such as the earth being removed, mountains being carried into the sea, or the tumultuous roaring of waters that shake the very mountains. A contrasting image is then presented: a serene river whose streams bring gladness to the city of God, identified as the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High. This divine presence within the city ensures its immovability, with God promising to provide timely help. The psalm then shifts to a depiction of international turmoil, where nations rage and kingdoms are moved, but these earthly commotions are swiftly subdued by God's powerful voice, causing the earth to melt in His presence. The recurring refrain, "The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge," serves as a powerful affirmation of divine protection and covenant faithfulness. The psalmist then invites observers to "Come, behold the works of the LORD," highlighting His awe-inspiring acts of desolation and His ultimate power to bring an end to all wars. He is depicted as breaking the bow, cutting the spear, and burning the chariot, effectively disarming all earthly conflict. The climax of the psalm is a direct divine command: "Be still, and know that I am God." This injunction calls for quiet submission and recognition of His supreme sovereignty, stating His intention to be exalted among the heathen and throughout the entire earth. The psalm concludes by reiterating the comforting assurance of God's enduring presence and refuge for His people, emphasizing His role as the LORD of hosts and the God of Jacob.

Core Concepts

  • God as Refuge and StrengthGod is presented as an immediate and reliable source of safety and power, always available to assist His people in times of trouble. This concept is central to the psalm's opening and closing declarations.
  • Fearlessness Amidst ChaosDue to God's presence, the faithful are encouraged not to fear, even when confronted with extreme natural disasters or global upheaval, such as earthquakes or raging waters. This highlights a profound trust in divine protection over earthly instability.
  • The City of God's StabilityThe psalm describes a "city of God" (often interpreted as Jerusalem or Zion) made glad by a river, where God dwells, ensuring its steadfastness and early divine assistance against any threat. This symbolizes spiritual and physical security under God's care.
  • God's Sovereignty Over NationsThe psalm illustrates God's ultimate power over earthly kingdoms and their conflicts, showing that their raging is met with His voice, which causes the earth to melt and brings an end to wars. He is the one who disarms nations.
  • Cessation of WarA significant theme is God's active role in making wars cease "unto the end of the earth," by breaking weapons like bows, spears, and chariots. This demonstrates His power to establish peace and dismantle instruments of conflict.
  • "Be Still, and Know"This direct divine command calls for humanity to cease striving, acknowledge God's supreme authority, and recognize His identity as the one who will be exalted among all nations and throughout the earth. It is a call to humble submission and recognition of divine power.
  • The LORD of HostsThis title, repeated twice, emphasizes God's omnipotence and His command over heavenly armies, signifying His power to protect His people and overcome all adversaries. It reinforces the idea of an invincible protector.