PSALM 46
. Upon Alamoth—most probably denotes the treble,
or part sung by female voices, the word meaning "virgins";
and which was sung with some appropriately keyed instrument (compare
1 Chronicles 15:19-21; see on
Psalms 6:1, title). The theme may be
stated in LUTHER'S
well-known words, "A mighty fortress is our God." The great
deliverance (2 Kings 19:35; Isaiah 37:36)
may have occasioned its composition.
1. refuge—literally, "a
place of trust" (Psalms 2:12).
strength— (Psalms 2:12).
present help—literally,
"a help He has been found exceedingly."
trouble—as in Psalms 2:12.
2, 3. The most violent civil
commotions are illustrated by the greatest physical commotions.
3. swelling—well represents
the pride and haughtiness of insolent foes.
5. right early—literally, "at
the turn of morning," or change from night to day, a critical
time (Psalms 30:5; compare Psalms 30:5).
7. with us—on our side; His
presence is terror to our enemies, safety to us.
refuge—high place (; compare also Psalms 24:6;
Psalms 24:10).
8. what desolations—literally,
"who hath put desolations," destroying our enemies.
9. The usual weapons of war
(Psalms 7:12), as well as those
using them, are brought to an end.
10. Be still, c.—literally,
"Leave off to oppose Me and vex My people. I am over all for
their safety." (Compare Isaiah 2:11
Ephesians 1:22).
PSALM 46
. Upon Alamoth—most probably denotes the treble, or part sung by female voices, the word meaning "virgins"; and which was sung with some appropriately keyed instrument (compare 1 Chronicles 15:19-21; see on Psalms 6:1, title). The theme may be stated in LUTHER'S well-known words, "A mighty fortress is our God." The great deliverance (2 Kings 19:35; Isaiah 37:36) may have occasioned its composition.
1. refuge—literally, "a place of trust" (Psalms 2:12).
strength— (Psalms 2:12).
present help—literally, "a help He has been found exceedingly."
trouble—as in Psalms 2:12.
2, 3. The most violent civil commotions are illustrated by the greatest physical commotions.
3. swelling—well represents the pride and haughtiness of insolent foes.
4. God's favor is denoted by a river (compare Psalms 36:8; Zechariah 14:8; Revelation 22:1).
city of God, the holy place—His earthly residence, Jerusalem and the temple (compare Psalms 2:6; Psalms 3:4; Psalms 20:2; Psalms 48:2, &c.). God's favor, like a river whose waters are conducted in channels, is distributed to all parts of His Church.
most High—denoting His supremacy (Psalms 17:2).
5. right early—literally, "at the turn of morning," or change from night to day, a critical time (Psalms 30:5; compare Psalms 30:5).
6. (Compare ).
earth melted—all powers dissolved by His mere word (Psalms 75:3; Hosea 2:22).
7. with us—on our side; His presence is terror to our enemies, safety to us.
refuge—high place (; compare also Psalms 24:6; Psalms 24:10).
8. what desolations—literally, "who hath put desolations," destroying our enemies.
9. The usual weapons of war (Psalms 7:12), as well as those using them, are brought to an end.
10. Be still, c.—literally, "Leave off to oppose Me and vex My people. I am over all for their safety." (Compare Isaiah 2:11 Ephesians 1:22).