Psalms 46

The occasion of this Psalm, is thought to be that happy success and settlement, and Peace which God granted to the People of Israel in David's time, and by his means, 2 Sam. 8.

GOd is (i. e.) He has now manifested himself to be so, by the Course of his Providence. our refuge and strength, a very present Or, a sufficient, as this word is sometimes used, as Ios. 17. 16. Zech. 10 10. help in trouble.

Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea Though there should be nothing but shakings and Confusions, and Desolations in all the Nations round about us: which are oft expressed by such Metaphors, as Ier. 51. 25. Hagg. 2. 21, 22. Revel. 6. 14..

Though the waters thereof roar, and be troubled Though the Sea be very Tempestuous, and it's Waters (by which a multitude of People is oft signified, as Revel. 17. 1. 1....) Rage, to wit, against us, as appears from the following Verses.: though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof Though its Raging Waves assault mighty Princes and Kingdoms, and make them shake and be ready to fall down. Selah.

There is a river, the streams whereof He either speaks of, or at least alludes to, the River of Kidron, 2 Sam. 15. 23. Ioh. 18. 1. and it's two streams or Rivolets following from it, Gi... one and Siloah, 2 Chron. 32. 30. Isa. 8. 6. which being small and Contemptible, or still or gentle Waters are not unfitly opposed, to the vast and unruly Waters of the Sea. He insinuates the weak Condition of God's Church as to outward advantages, that they had not one Sea to oppose to another, but only a... small River; which though in it self despicable, yet was sufficient to Refresh and defend them in spight of all their Enemies. And as the Sea and... aters thereof, v. 2, 3. are to be understood Metaphorically, as all agree, so also in all Probability, are this River and Streams: Which therefore may design the gracious Presence and Assistance, and Blessing of the Lord, (which is very frequently described under the Name of waters, as Isa. 11. 9. and 12. 3. Zech. 14. 8. &c.) or the Lord himself, who is expresly said to be unto the City of Zion for it's defence, a place of broad Rivers and Streams, Isa. 33. 20, 21. which probably alludes to this Text, or at least explains it. shall make glad (i. e.) Shall not barely defend it from utter Ruin but preserve it from Danger, and give great, occasion for Rejoycing and Thanksgiving. the city of God (i. e.) Zion or Ierusalem so called, also Psal. 48. 1. Isa. 60. 14.: the holy place of the tabernacles (i. e.) Of the Tabernacle, the plural Number for the singular, as Psal. 43. 3. The place where God's holy Tabernacle is settled. of the most High.

God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early Heb. as soon as the Morning appeareth, (i. e.) Speedily, after a short Night of affliction; Comp. Psal. 30. 5. and seasonably, when the Danger is greatest, and the Enemies prepare to make the Assault; which is commonly done in the Morning..

The heathen raged To wit, against God, and against his People., the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voyce, Either he thundred: Or, he spake to them in his Wrath, as is said, Psal. 2. 5. the earth melted The Inhabitants of the Earth, who were combined against Zion, were dispirited and consumed..

The LORD of hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge, Selah.

Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he has made in the earth (i. e.) Among those People of the Earth, who were Neighbouring and Vexatious to God's People, and therefore were cut off by David, and their Lands and Cities in great part wasted..

He maketh wars to cease He has ended our Wars, and settled us in a firm and well-grounded Peace. unto the end of the earth Or. of this Land, to wit, of Israel: From one end of it to the other.: he breaketh the bow, and cuteth the spear in sunder, he burneth the Chariot in the fire He speaks of the Bows and Spears, and Chariots of their Enemies; for he preserved those which belonged to his People..

Be still He speaks Either, 1. To the Israelites, be still, (i. e.) Do you henceforth silently and quietly wait upon me without Fear or Dissidence. Or rather 2. To the Heathen, who had Raged, v. 6. and therefore now he seasonably admonisheth them to be still, and to stir no more against God's people., and know th... t I am God The only True and Almighty God; and your God's are but dumb and impotent Idols.: I will be exalted (i. e.) I will make my self Glorious by my great and wonderful Works. among the h... I will be exalted in the earth.

The LORD of hosts... ith us, the God of Jacob is our refuge, Selah.