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Psalms 46

Pslm 46, Ps 46, Psa 46, Psm 46, Pss 46


Psalms 46

1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

2 Therefore 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.

5 God 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.



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

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

9 He 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.

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

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

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Summary and the Meaning of Psalm 46 from the KJV Holy Bible

Psalm 46, one of the most profound and comforting psalms in the Holy Bible, is a hymn of trust, confidence, and a celebration of God's sovereignty and power. It is a song of hope and assurance that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. This psalm speaks directly to the reality of human fears and uncertainties, providing a resounding message of faith in the face of all adversities.

The psalm is divided into three sections, each ending with the word “Selah,” an instruction calling for a pause or reflection. This division gives the psalm a rhythmic structure, reinforcing its message and making it easier to internalize. The first section (verses 1-3) focuses on God's protection in times of natural disasters. The second section (verses 4-7) depicts God's presence in His city, which stands unshaken despite the raging nations. The final section (verses 8-11) is a call to behold God's works and acknowledge His sovereignty.

God as a Refuge and Strength

The psalm opens with a powerful declaration: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." This verse sets the tone for the entire psalm, presenting God as a shelter, a safe haven, and a source of strength. The phrase "a very present help in trouble" emphasizes God's immediate availability and readiness to assist in times of difficulty. These words give assurance that God is not a distant, uninvolved deity, but an ever-present help, actively involved in the lives of His people.

In verses 2 and 3, the psalmist talks about not fearing even when the earth gives way, and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, despite its waters roaring and foaming, and the mountains quaking with their surging. These verses use vivid imagery of natural disasters to depict extreme situations of chaos and danger. Yet, in the face of such upheaval, the psalmist confidently proclaims that they will not fear. This bold assertion of fearlessness underscores the absolute trust in God's protective power.

God's Presence in His City

The second section of Psalm 46 begins with a contrasting image. From the tumultuous scenes of the first section, the psalmist transitions to a serene and tranquil picture of a city. This city, identified as the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells, is blessed with a river whose streams make it glad. The river here symbolizes God's presence and His life-giving and sustaining power.

The city of God, because of His presence, remains unshaken even as nations are in uproar and kingdoms fall. This depiction serves to contrast the stability of God's city with the instability of the world. The psalmist reassures that God's voice, even in its whisper, holds more power than the loudest roar of nations. Thus, the city of God, protected by His presence, stands firm against all threats.

A Call to Behold God's Works

The final section of Psalm 46 is a call to acknowledge and appreciate God's mighty works. The psalmist invites everyone to behold the works of the Lord, to see how He brings desolation on the earth, and how He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. This description of God's works emphasizes His power over all human activities, including wars and conflicts.

In verse 10, God Himself speaks, commanding all to be still and know that He is God. This verse is one of the most quoted verses in the Bible, often used as a call to quiet reflection and meditation. To be still is to cease striving, to let go of human efforts, to quiet our minds, and to recognize God's sovereignty. It is a call to acknowledge that God is in control, and we are not. This acknowledgment leads to a state of peace and trust, knowing that God will be exalted among the nations and in the earth.

The psalm concludes with a reaffirmation of God's protective power, echoing the opening declaration that the Lord Almighty is with us, and the God of Jacob is our fortress. This repetition serves to reinforce the message of God's protection and presence, effectively bookending the psalm with a comforting assurance of divine security.

Themes and Meanings of Psalm 46

Psalm 46 carries multiple themes that interweave to produce a rich tapestry of faith and assurance. The most prominent theme is the sovereignty of God. Throughout the psalm, God's supreme authority and control over all things are emphasized. He is depicted as the ruler over nature, nations, and all human activities. His voice has the power to melt the earth, and His works are the evidence of His sovereignty.

Another central theme is God's protection and provision. God is presented as a refuge, a place of safety, and a source of strength. His presence in His city ensures its security and joy. Moreover, His readiness to help in times of trouble underlines His constant care and concern for His people.

The theme of faith and trust is also prominent in Psalm 46. The psalmist's declaration of fearlessness in the face of calamities, the confidence in God's protection, and the call to be still and know that He is God, all highlight the importance of faith and trust in God. These themes are not just theological concepts but practical principles that can guide believers in their daily lives.

Psalm 46 also brings out the theme of hope. Despite the turmoil and chaos depicted in the psalm, there is an underlying message of hope. This hope is rooted in the assurance of God's presence, His protective power, and His sovereignty. It is a hope that transcends the trials and tribulations of this world and rests on the unchanging character of God.

The overall message of Psalm 46 is one of comfort and encouragement. It reassures believers of God's constant presence, His protective care, and His supreme authority. It encourages them to trust in God, to be still and recognize His sovereignty, and to find hope in His unchanging nature. It is a message that continues to resonate with believers today, offering comfort and hope in the midst of life's storms.

In conclusion, Psalm 46 is a powerful testament of faith in God's sovereignty and protection. It is a hymn that resonates with hope and assurance, a reminder of God's ever-present help in times of trouble. Its rich imagery, rhythmic structure, and profound themes make it a timeless piece of spiritual literature, offering comfort and encouragement to believers across generations. Whether in times of peace or turmoil, Psalm 46 stands as a beacon of faith, reminding us that God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.



This article is informed by the King James Version of the Holy Bible, the authors' personal knowledge, considerations and experience, and additional materials and resources available in internet.

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