Psalms 46

Psalms 46:1

Psalms 46

THE

The occasion of this Psalm is thought to be that happy success, and settlement, and peace which God granted to the people of Israel in David’ s time, and by his means, 2 Samuel 8

The confidence and safe condition of the church under God’ s care, ; manifested in his wonderful deliverance from her enemies, . He exhorteth all to consider it, to the magnifying his name, ,11.

God is our refuge, i.e. he hath now manifested himself to be so by the course of his providence.

A very present; or, a sufficient, as this word is sometimes used, as .

Psalms 46:2

Though there should be nothing but shakings, and confusions, and desolations in all the nations round about us; which are oft expressed by such metaphors, as ,22 Rev 6:14.

Psalms 46:3

Though the sea be very tempestuous, and its waters (by which a multitude of people is oft signified, as ,15) rage, to Wit, against us, as appears from the following verses. Though its raging waves assault mighty princes and kingdoms, and make them shake and be ready to fall down.

Psalms 46:4

He either speaks of, or at least alludes to, the river of Kidron, , and its two streams or rivulets flowing from it, Gihon and Shiloah, , which being small and contemptible, or still or gentle waters, are not unfitly opposed to the vast and unruly waters of the sea. He insinuates the weak condition of God’ s church as to outward advantages, that they had not one sea to oppose to another, but only a small river; which though in itself despicable, yet was sufficient to refresh and defend them in spite of all their enemies. And as the sea and waters thereof, ,3, are to be understood metaphorically, as all agree, so also in all probability are this river and streams; which therefore may design the gracious presence, and assistance, and blessing of be Lord, (which is very frequently described under the name of waters, as 12:3 , &c.,) or the Lord himself, who is expressly said to be unto the city of Zion, for its defence, a place of broad rivers and streams, ,21, which probably alludes to this text, or at least explains it.

Shall make glad, i.e. shall not barely defend it from utter ruin, but preserve it from danger, and give great occasion for rejoicing and thanksgiving.

The city of God, i.e. Zion or Jerusalem, so called also @ .

Of the tabernacles, i.e. of the tabernacle, the plural number for the singular, as ; the place where God’ s holy tabernacle is settled.

Psalms 46:5

Heb. as soon as the morning appeareth, i.e. speedily, after a short night of affliction; compare ; and seasonably, when the danger is greatest, and the enemies prepare to make the assault; which is commonly done in the morning.

Psalms 46:6

The heathen raged, to wit, against God, and against his people.

He uttered his voice; either he thundered, or he spake to them in his wrath, as is said, .

The earth melted; the inhabitants of the earth who were combined against Zion were dispirited and consumed.

Psalms 46:8

i.e. Among those people of the earth who were neighbouring and vexatious to God’ s people, and therefore were cut off by David, and their lands and cities in great part wasted.

Psalms 46:9

He hath ended our wars, and settled us in a firm and well-grounded peace.

The end of the earth, or of this land, to wit, of Israel; from one end of it to the other.

He speaks of the bows, and spears, and chariots of their enemies; for he preserved those which belonged to his people.

Psalms 46:10

He speaks either,

1. To the Israelites,

Be still, i.e. Do you henceforth silently and quietly wait upon me without fear or diffidence. Or rather,

2. To the heathen, who had raged, ; and therefore now he seasonably admonisheth them to be still, and to stir no more against God’ s people.

I am God, the only true and almighty God; and your gods are but dumb and impotent idols. I will be exalted, i.e. I will make myself glorious by my great and wonderful works.