Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · Psalms Kapitel 46

Ps 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

Ps 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; Isa 37:36)

may have occasioned its composition.

1. refuge--literally, "a place of trust"

(Ps 2:12).

strength--

(Ps 18:2).

present help--literally, "a help He has been found exceedingly."

trouble--as in

Ps 18:7.

2, 3. The most violent civil commotions are illustrated by the greatest physical commotions.

3. swelling--well represents the pride and haughtiness of insolent foes.

4. God's favor is denoted by a river (compare

Ps 36:8; Zec 14:8; Re 22:1).

city of God, the holy place--His earthly residence, Jerusalem and the temple (compare

Ps 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

(Ps 17:2).

5. right early--literally, "at the turn of morning," or change from night to day, a critical time

(Ps 30:5;

compare

Isa 37:36).

6. (Compare

Ps 46:2).

earth melted--all powers dissolved by His mere word

(Ps 75:3; Ho 2:22).

7. with us--on our side; His presence is terror to our enemies, safety to us.

refuge--high place

(Ps 9:9;

compare also

Ps 24:6, 10).

8. what desolations--literally, "who hath put desolations," destroying our enemies.

9. The usual weapons of war

(Ps 7:12),

as well as those using them, are brought to an end.

10. Be still, &c.--literally, "Leave off to oppose Me and vex My people. I am over all for their safety." (Compare

Isa 2:11; Eph 1:22).