PsalmsChapter 46

+ Secondary text Original text ← Previous Next →Contribute

For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to alamoth.^[Alamoth: likely a musical term, perhaps indicating high-pitched or maidens' voices.] A song.

God is our refuge and strength, a help in troubles, always to be found.

So we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains topple into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake at its swelling. Selah

There is a river whose streams gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High.

God is in her midst; she will not be shaken. God will help her when morning breaks.

Nations rage, kingdoms totter; he lifts his voice, and the earth melts away.

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

Come, see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought upon the earth.

He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the war chariots with fire.

"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

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

Lookup

Summary2

Chapter 46

Main Theme: God is the secure refuge and invincible protector of His people amidst the chaos of the world.

Content: The psalm, written by the sons of Korah, confesses that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Even when the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the depths of the sea, we need not fear. A river with its streams makes glad the city of God, the dwelling place of the Most High. God puts an end to wars throughout the earth; He breaks the bow and shatters the spear. The refrain is repeated: "The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress."

Key Words/Images:

Refuge and strength (מַחֲסֶה וָעֹז): God as a safe shelter and source of power in times of trouble.
City of God (עִיר־אֱלֹהִים): Jerusalem/Zion as God's dwelling place, made secure by His presence.
The river (נָהָר): Life-giving streams that contrast with the chaotic sea—a symbol of God's blessing.
The Lord of hosts (יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת): God's title as ruler over heavenly and earthly armies.
Be still (הַרְפּוּ): An invitation to let go, rest, and acknowledge God's sovereignty.

Historical context

Places

God’s City and the Holy Dwelling

Verse 5 mentions "the city of God" (עִיר־אֱלֹהִים) and "the holy dwelling of the Most High" (קְדֹשׁ מִשְׁכְּנֵי עֶלְיוֹן). This refers to Jerusalem and Mount Zion, where the temple stood. The image of a river with streams that bring joy to the city is remarkable, since Jerusalem had no major river. The Gihon spring was the city’s main water source. Therefore, the river motif likely carries theological significance, pointing to God’s life-giving presence, possibly echoing the rivers of paradise (Genesis 2:10) and future prophecies about life-giving water flowing from the temple (Ezekiel 47:1–12).

Events and Customs

Possible Historical Background

Many scholars link this psalm to the failed siege of Jerusalem by the Assyrian king Sennacherib in 701 B.C. during King Hezekiah’s reign. According to 2 Kings 19:35, the angel of the Lord struck down the Assyrian army at night, and the enemy withdrew without capturing the city. The phrase "God helps her when morning dawns" (verse 6) may reflect this dramatic deliverance at daybreak. The destruction of weapons of war in verse 10 also fits this scenario.

Key Terms

Alamot (עַל־עֲלָמוֹת)

The heading contains the musical term "alamot," which likely means "for soprano voices" or "in a high register." The word is related to the Hebrew word for "young woman" (עַלְמָה) and may indicate that the psalm was intended to be sung by female singers or in a higher pitch.

YHWH Sabaoth (יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת)

The divine name "the Lord, God of hosts" appears twice in the refrain (verses 8 and 12). This name highlights God as the commander of heavenly armies and earthly forces, emphasizing his sovereign power over all nations and powers.

Selah (סֶלָה)

This liturgical term occurs three times in the psalm (verses 4, 8, and 12) and likely marks pauses in the performance, perhaps for instrumental interludes or to allow time for meditation on the text.

Chapter-Specific Findings

Sennacherib’s Prism

The so-called "Taylor Prism" or "Sennacherib’s Prism" (now in the British Museum) describes the Assyrian king’s campaign against Judah. Interestingly, the inscription boasts of having trapped Hezekiah "like a bird in a cage" in Jerusalem but never mentions that the city was captured. This absence confirms the biblical testimony that Jerusalem was miraculously spared, which may have inspired this psalm’s declarations of trust.

People

No known people in this chapter.

Key words9

God — The Almighty Creator who, according to Genesis, created the heavens, the earth, and all life.
Refuge — A safe place or protection, often used to describe God's care and protection for people.
Strength — Power or ability, both physical and spiritual; here it refers to God's power and capacity to help and support believers.
River — A natural flow of water; in Psalm 46 it symbolizes God's presence and life-giving power.
City — A place where people live and interact; in this context it represents God's kingdom and the community of believers.
Nations — Groups of people, often defined by nationality, culture, or ethnicity; here it refers to all nations and peoples on earth.
Lord — A title for God that emphasizes his authority and sovereignty over all creation.
Hosts — Large groups of angels, often associated with God's power and protection.
and 1 more