God is our safest place.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary Psalm 46

The psalmist magnified God as the saints’ sure Defense at all times. He explained that God’s presence makes Zion secure from all her enemies. Thus the psalm is incorporated in the Songs of Zion, because of the centrality of Jerusalem in its message.

English Standard Version Psalm 46

TO THE CHOIRMASTER. OF aTHE SONS OF KORAH. ACCORDING TO bALAMOTH.1 A SONG.

Psalm 46:1 NKJV

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

An abundantly available help.

Psalm 46:2 NKJV

Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

Psalm 46:3 NKJV

Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah

Nothing can separate us from the love of God

Romans 8:35–39 ESV

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Psalm shifts its focus to the city of God, which is Jerusalem.The closest equivalent we have now is the church. How God protects His church

Matthew 16:18 ESV

And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Psalm 46:4 NKJV

There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.

Psalm 46:5 NKJV

God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.

Psalm 46:6 NKJV

The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary 46:6–7

The psalmist then described God’s mighty power: by His powerful word God melts the nations that roar against Him (cf. 2:5). Though kingdoms would fall, Jerusalem was safe.

Psalm 46:7 NKJV

The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

This is covenant language.

Romans 11:2 ESV

God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel?

Romans 11:3 ESV

“Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.”

Romans 11:4 ESV

But what is God’s reply to him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”

Romans 11:5 ESV

So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace.

Psalm 46:8–9 NKJV

Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has made desolations in the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary 46:8–11

The psalmist exhorted the saints to observe the saving mighty deeds of God. These deeds portray how God brings peace to His people, destroying weapons throughout the earth. God Himself calls for the people to trust in Him and know that He is God, for He will be exalted throughout the earth.

Psalm 46:10 NKJV

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

The Psalm closes with the reminder that The Lord of hosts is with us, and He is our safe place, our refuge.

Psalm 46:11 NKJV

The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah