1.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
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.
Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
2, 3. The most violent civil
commotions are illustrated by the greatest physical commotions.
3.
Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
3. swelling—well represents
the pride and haughtiness of insolent foes.
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.
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.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
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.
The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
6. (Compare ).
earth melted—all powers
dissolved by His mere word (Psalms 75:3;
Hosea 2:22).
7.
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
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.
Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.
8. what desolations—literally,
"who hath put desolations," destroying our enemies.
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.
9. The usual weapons of war
(Psalms 7:12), as well as those
using them, are brought to an end.
10.
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
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).
11.
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.