Psalms 46

The Prophet describeth the confidence and assured condition of the Church, under the LORDS protection, which he had manifested upon her, by a wonderful deliverance: Exhorting every none to consider of this work of God, and others such like, to the magnifying of his holy Name.

1. A Song (or hymn) [Comp.Psal.48.on v.1.] on Alamoth: (it is uncertain what this word doth signify here: some hold it (as some other such like word) to have betokened a certain musical instrument, or, a beginning of a certain song. Others, (from that the Hebrew word doth otherwise signify Maydens. And is derived from aother word, which signifies to be hid) do render it here, Maydens-(voice, o tune) as if the meaning of it was, that this Psalm should be sung with a pleasant sweet and clear voice (such as to maidens is more usual.) This word is likewise found in the rehearsal of the musical worship, 1. Chron.15.20. and seemeth to be put there in opposition to the louder, manlier, base or tenor music. See the annot. There] for the chief Song-master, [see Psalm 4.on v.1.] among the children of Korah. [See Psal,42.on v.1.]

2. God is to us a refuge and strength: he is powerfully (or, efficaciously) [Heb. Much, very] found [Oth. Easy to be found. See Numb.11.on ver.22. Or thus, he is a very findable (i.e. ready, handy, present,] a help in distresses.

3. Therefore shall we not be afraid, although the earth should change (her place;) [Or though be (viz. God) did alter the earth (for place.) By this figurative expression, is presented the terrible and hideous stir and rage of the Enemies of Gods Church, whom he doth suffer indeed, most furiously and prevailingly to rage, as if they should destroy and swallow up all; yet preserveth his Church wonderfully in the mean time, far beyond the imagination of her enemies, and no thanks to them at all.] and though the mountains were removed (transposed) into the heart of the Seas. [i.e. into the midst. See Ex.15.on v.8. and Deut.4.on v.11.]

4. Let their waters roar, [viz. The Seas] let them be stirred: [i.e. troubled (which the Hebrew word hath regard unto) as used to happen i great tempests. See of the Hebrew word Job.16.on ver.16.] Let the hills shake (or tremble) through the exalting thereof: [i.e. the swelling of the Sea. It may also be applied to God; thus; by means of his highness or exaltation, as Deut.33.26. See there the annot.] Sela. [See Psalm 3.on verse 3.]

5. The brooks [Heb. Properly, partitions, as Psal.1.3. i.e. streams, brooks and rivulets issuing forth, or being derived out of greater Rivers; or also, that run into greater.] of the River, [Although the River of Jerusalem (as Gion, and others) be not so great and broad as others. See 2 King.5.12. and Compare Isa.8.6. and 2 Kings 20:20. 2. Chron.32.30. etc. It seems, the Prophet would say, by way of comparison, or opposition, let the enemies never so much rage roar and from abroad; the River in Gods City, with the Rivulets thereof run quietly and pleasantly, where also one relies on Gods assistance in stillness.] shall make glad, [or chear] the City of God.] the sanctuary of the habitation of the most high. [Oth. The city of God, the holy (One;) (as God is often in Scripture called the holy (one) the habitations of the most high, or of the holy (one) of the habitations.]

6. God is in the midst of her, [viz. Of the City of God.] she shall not water: God shall help in the breaking forth of the morning. i.e. early, timely.]

7. The heathens raged, the kingdoms were moved: he lifted up his voice, [Heb.i.e. A The Heb.gave. By the voice may be understood the thunder. See above Psalm29.on v.3. and comp.1. Sam.7.10.] the earth melted. [a manner of speaking usually in the Scriptures, to express the weakness of all creatures, especially, of haughty and insolent men, that set themselves in opposition against God Majesty, and yet their heart faints and fails, yea melts like wax within them, if he begin but once to stretch out his hand in some measure, compare Deut.1.on v.28.]

8. The Lord of hostes is with us, [See 1 Kings 18.on verse 15.] The God of Jacob is to us an high retreat Selah.

9. Come, behold the acts of the LORD: who worketh desolations upon earth: [Or, hath wrought, or made, appointed. Compare the Histories, 2 King.18.19. 2. Chron.14.and 20.Item 2. Item 2. Sam.10.]

10. Who maketh the wars to cease, unto the ends of the earth, [Oth. Of the land, viz.in all the land of Israel, as far as the same extends it self, according to Gods promise. See Psalms 44:4. Otherwise it is true also in general, that it is God, that through his just judgement worketh desolations throughout all the world, and maketh peace again, according to his pleasure. See Isa.45.7.] breaketh the bow, and smites the spear in twain, burneth the chariots with fire.

11. Cease, and know that I am God: [This God himself doth speak to the enemies and persecutors of his Church, that thought they had onely to do with men.] I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted upon the earth. [I will (unless ye desist) shew that my power is not confined within the pales of the land of Israel, but I am Lord and Judge likewise of and among all the heathen abroad; and will make my name great, and glorious every where, by the executing of my judgements among them.]

12. The LORD of hosts is with us: [Se 1 King.18.on verse 15.] The God of Jacob is to us a high retreat; Selah.