Psalms 46:2

_THEREFORE WILL NOT WE FEAR, THOUGH THE EARTH BE REMOVED, AND THOUGH THE MOUNTAINS BE CARRIED INTO THE MIDST OF THE SEA;_ Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed - literally, 'in the earth being changed.' Compare Psalms 102:26. The change of the earth means here great revolutions through which its form, as the seat of political kingdoms, is altered (cf. Psalms 46:6). The instrumental cause of this change is the lust of conquest, which impels great states like a raging sea (cf. Psalms 46:6, "the pagan raged"), "with the swelling thereof" - i:e., through their haughty pride-to disturb the existing order. The great first cause is the Lord, who uses the world-powers, like Assyria, as "the (uncon

1-5 This psalm encourages to hope and trust in God; in his power and providence, and his gracious presence with his church in the worst of times. We may apply it to spiritual enemies, and the encouragement we have that, through Christ, we shall be conquerors over them. He is a Help, a present Help, a Help found, one whom we have found to be so; a Help at hand, one that is always near; we cannot desire a better, nor shall we ever find the like in any creature. Let those be troubled at the troubling of the waters, who build their confidence on a floating foundation; but let not those be alarmed who are led to the Rock, and there find firm footing. Here is joy to the church, even in sorrowful times. The river alludes to the graces and consolations of the Holy Spirit, which flow through every part of the church, and through God's sacred ordinances, gladdening the heart of every believer. It...

Verse Psalms 46:2. _THEREFORE WILL NOT WE FEAR_] Let what commotions will take place in the earth, we will trust in the all-powerful arm of God. Probably the _earthquake_ referred to, here means _political_ _commotions_, such as those mentioned under the title; and by _mountains_, kings or secular states may be intended....

THEREFORE WILL NOT WE FEAR - Our confidence in God shall be unshaken and abiding. Having Him for our refuge and strength Psalms 46:1, we can have nothing to fear. Compare Psalms 56:3. THOUGH THE EARTH BE REMOVED - literally, “in the changing of the earth;” that is, though the earth should be changed. This may either mean, Though the earth should change its place or its very structure in these convulsions; or, though it should perish altogether. Compare Psalms 102:26. The idea is, that they would not be afraid, though the convulsions then occurring in the world should be continued, and should be extended so far as to destroy the very earth itself. God wo

EXPOSITION THIS is a psalm of consolation. Israel, in great peril (Psalms 46:1, Psalms 46:6, Psalms 46:8, Psalms 46:9), consoles herself with the thought of God's might, his protecting care, and his ability to shatter all the combinations that her enemies may form against her. There is nothing to determine absolutely what particular peril is spoken of; but, on the whole, the allusions seem to point to the invasion by Sennacherib, rather than to any other event in Hebrew history. Critics of such diverse schools as Hengstenberg and Professor Cheyne unite in this conclusion. The metrical construction is very sim

THEREFORE WILL NOT WE FEAR,...., The consideration of the Lord's being the refuge, strength, and help of his people, in all times of trouble and distress, has a great influence on their faith and confidence, and makes them intrepid and fearless in the midst of the greatest dangers: nor indeed have they any reason to be afraid of men or devils, since the Lord is on their side; nor should they indulge a slavish fear on any account whatever; THOUGH THE EARTH BE REMOVED; or "changed" u, as to its position or fruitfulness; or whatever changes, vicissitudes, and revolutions may be in the kingdoms, nations, and among the inhabitants of the earth, through wars and desolations made thereby; AND THOUGH THE MOUNTAINS BE CARRIED INTO THE MIDST OF THE SEA; so the destruction of kingdoms, empires, and cities, is expressed by a like phrase; as of Babylon, Jeremiah 51

To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Song upon Alamoth. This Psalm is often called «Martin Luther's Psalm.» Whenever there was any great trouble, Luther used to say, «Let us sing the forty-sixth Psalm together, and then let the devil do his worst.» This is the Psalm, too, from which Mr. John Wesley preached in Hyde Park, at the time of a great earthquake. While the earth was shaking, and there was a great tempest, Mr. Wesley preached from the second verse: « Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.» Psalms 46:1. _God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble._ All creatures have their places of refuge. « As for the stork, the fir trees are her house. The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies.» All men also have their places of refuge,

Psalms 46 The Deliverance and What Follows _ 1. God is our Refuge and Strength (Psalms 46:1)_ 2. His coming in power and glory (Psalms 46:4) 3. What follows His manifestation (Psalms 46:8). This is “a song upon Alamoth,” which means “maidens' voices” and calls to remembrance the song which Miriam and the women sang when the Lord redeemed His people by power at the Red Sea. The remnant delivered relates prophetically the experience of deliverance. They trusted in God as their refuge and strength, though the earth was moved and the mountains carried into the sea. Then He appeared and helped His people “at the dawn

XLVI. GOD THE REFUGE OF HIS PEOPLE. The poem is divided into three parts by the word Selah, which also marks its close. It was further divided by the refrain which occurs after Psalms 46:6 and Psalms 46:10 and, no doubt, originally stood after Psalms 46:3 also. The Ps. looks back to the deliverance from Sennacherib. _Cf._ Psalms 46:5, God shall help her at the dawn of the morning, with Isaiah 37:36: Early in the morning they (_i.e._ Sennacherib's troops) were all dead men. But it may be much later than the time to which it alludes. The confused st

BE REMOVED. quake. Same as "moved", Psalms 46:6. CARRIED. moved. MIDST. Hebrew heart. Figure of speech _Metonymy_ (of Adjunct). App-6....