Bible Commentary

Psalms 46:1-5

Matthew Henry on Psalms 46:1-5

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

This psalm encourages to hope and trust in God; in his power and providence, and his gracious presence with his church in the worst of times. We may apply it to spiritual enemies, and the encouragement we have that, through Christ, we shall be conquerors over them.

He is a Help, a present Help, a Help found, one whom we have found to be so; a Help at hand, one that is always near; we cannot desire a better, nor shall we ever find the like in any creature. Let those be troubled at the troubling of the waters, who build their confidence on a floating foundation; but let not those be alarmed who are led to the Rock, and there find firm footing.

Here is joy to the church, even in sorrowful times. The river alludes to the graces and consolations of the Holy Spirit, which flow through every part of the church, and through God's sacred ordinances, gladdening the heart of every believer.

It is promised that the church shall not be moved. If God be in our hearts, by his word dwelling richly in us, we shall be established, we shall be helped; let us trust and not be afraid.

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commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 46:1-11EXPOSITION THIS is a psalm of consolation. Israel, in great peril (Psalms 46:1-3, Psalms 46:6, Psalms 46:8, Psalms 46:9), consoles herself with the thought of God's might, his protecting care, and his ability to shatter…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 46:1God is our Refuge and Strength (comp. Psalms 18:2; Psalms 94:22, etc.). A very present Help in trouble; literally, a very accessible Help—one easy to be found.Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 46:1-11A Divine Refuge and Strength. The ground-thought is, "God is our Refuge and Strength," and it returns with only a slight change of form at the end of the second and third strophes. The strophes are: Psalms 46:1-3; Psalm…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 46:1-11The saint's stronghold. This psalm is one of those "for the sons of Korah," on which see our remarks on Psalms 42:1-11. It is "a song upon Alamoth," which, according to Furst, £ is the proper name of a musical choir. As…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 46:1-11Hope for the troubled. Faith in God assures— I. HELP IN TROUBLE. It may be some storm of outward or of inward trial comes, or both may be combined. Enemies may rage without, and sin may rouse tumults and fears within. B…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 46:2Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed; or, though the earth change—a somewhat vague expression, probably to be understood of political changes and revolutions (see Psalms 46:6). And though the mountain…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 46:3Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled; or, roar and foam (Hengstenberg, Kay, Cheyne). Though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof (comp. Psalms 93:3, Psalms 93:4; Jeremiah 46:8, Jeremiah 46:9; Jeremiah…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 46:4There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God. In contrast with the scene of tumult and disturbance in the world at large, which the writer has presented to us in Psalms 46:2, Psalms 46:3, he now…Joseph S. Exell and contributors