For the Chief Musician. By the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. * Alamoth is a musical term.
1God is our refuge and strength,a very present help in trouble.2Therefore we won’t be afraid, though the earth changes,though the mountains are shaken into the heart of the seas;3though its waters roar and are troubled,though the mountains tremble with their swelling.
4There is a river, the streams of which make the city of God glad,the holy place of the tents of the Most High.5God is within her. She shall not be moved.God will help her at dawn.6The nations raged. The kingdoms were moved.He lifted his voice and the earth melted.7Yahweh of Armies is with us.The God of Jacob is our refuge.
8Come, see Yahweh’s works,what desolations he has made in the earth.9He makes wars cease to the end of the earth.He breaks the bow, and shatters the spear.He burns the chariots in the fire.10“Be still, and know that I am God.I will be exalted among the nations.I will be exalted in the earth.”11Yahweh of Armies is with us.The God of Jacob is our refuge.
What’s happening. A song for the community, probably written when Jerusalem was under threat from powerful enemies. Martin Luther’s hymn “A Mighty Fortress” is based on it.
What it means. Even if the whole world seems to fall apart, with mountains falling into the sea, God is a refuge and strength, always ready to help. The psalm does not deny that trouble comes. It says where to stand when it does.
What’s happening. The end of Psalm 46. After describing God stopping wars and breaking weapons, God himself speaks.
What it means. “Be still” here means stop, let go, cease striving, almost like “Enough!” said over the noise of battle. It is a call to stop fighting and fretting and recognise that he is God and will be honoured over all nations. The refrain repeats the comfort: the Lord of armies is with us.