The Quiet Voice of God in Psalm 46
Psalm 46 encourages trust in God's power and presence, particularly during difficult times [6]. The psalm celebrates God's special presence in Jerusalem, inviting confidence in the Lord's protection [5].
A key verse in this psalm is Psalm 46:10, which states, "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth" [2]. This verse is often understood as an exhortation to cease striving or opposing God [7]. The Targum renders "Be still" as "cease from war" [8]. Some interpretations suggest these words are directed at the nations of the world, urging them to stop their aggression against Jerusalem [8]. The phrase "Be still" can also be understood as an invitation to recognize God's sovereignty and power [8].
The psalm opens with a declaration of God as "our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" [3]. This sets a tone of confidence, even when faced with natural disasters, as the citizens of Zion are depicted as expressing no fear [5]. The psalm further emphasizes God's unwavering presence, stating, "God is in her midst. She shall not be moved. God will help her at dawn" [1]. This reinforces the theme of divine protection and stability.
The call to "Be still, and know that I am God" in Psalm 46:10 is cross-referenced with Isaiah 2:11, which speaks of the Lord alone being exalted [4]. This connection highlights the ultimate authority and supremacy of God. The broader context of Psalm 46 suggests that even amidst chaos and conflict, God's ultimate triumph and exaltation are assured [2, 7].
Sources
- Psalms “God is in her midst. She shall not be moved. God will help her at dawn. -- Psalms 46:5”
- Psalms ““Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.” -- Psalms 46:10”
- Psalms “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. -- Psalms 46:1”
- OpenBible.info “Cross-reference: Ps.46.10 → Isa.2.11 (confidence: 46 votes)”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 46:1: Ps 46 This psalm of Zion celebrates God’s special presence in Jerusalem (see also Pss 48, 76, 87, 122), inviting confidence in the Lord because the citizens of Zion enjoy his protection. 46:title sung by soprano voices: Hebrew according to alamoth (“maidens”; see also study note on 1 Chr 15:20). In worship, a choir or a group of instrumentalists performed this hymn. 46:1-3 Even when faced with natural disasters, the citizens of Zion express no fear.”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 46 (introduction): This psalm encourages us to hope and trust in God, and his power, and providence, and gracious presence with his church in the worst of times, and directs us to give him the glory of what he has done for us and what he will do: probably it was penned upon occasion of David's victories over the neighbouring nations (2 Sa. 8), and the rest which God gave him from all his enemies round about. We are here taught, I. To take comfort in God when things look very black and threatening (Psa 46:1-5). II. To mention, to his praise, the great things he had wroug”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 46:10: Be still, &c.--literally, "Leave off to oppose Me and vex My people. I am over all for their safety." (Compare Isa 2:11; Eph 1:22). Next: Psalms Chapter 47”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 46:10: Be still, and know that I am God,.... These words are thought by some to be spoken by the Lord to the nations of the world, to "cease from war", as the Targum renders the words; or from going up any more against Jerusalem, as Jarchi interprets them; and that they were spoken to them before the breaking of their bows, &c. as Aben Ezra observes; or that they are an exhortation to them to cease from their evil works, and know that the Lord is God, and has power to raise up and to make low; which, is Kimchi's sense of the words: but they are rather a continuation of the ”