DAWN

     Explanation: In Psalm 46 the Psalmist speaks of God as the refuge for the nation of Israel. This thought occurs in the beginning, middle, and end of the Psalm, tying it together like the links of a chain. The author is unknown and the occasion is unknown. Some attribute it to David in celebration of his victory over several nations in 2 Samuel 8. Others attribute it to the Sons of Korah in regard to the defeat of Moab [2 Chronicles 20] -- [c. 852 B.C.] in the time of Jehoshaphat. Others attribute it to the Sons of Korah or to Isaiah on the occasion of the destruction of Sennacherib [2 Kings 19; 2 Chronicles 32; Isaiah 37] -- [c. 702 B.C.]. The commentaries linked below may be consulted for further information. Clearly, however, as mentioned above, the emphasis is on God as Israel's true refuge -- i.e., her well-secured citadel, as in the painting, above.

          [ THEMATICALLY AND CHRONOLOGICALLY RELATED SCRIPTURES: 2 Samuel 8. 2 Chronicles 20. 2 Kings 19. 2 Chronicles 32. Isaiah 37. ]

          [ CHRONOLOGY: General. Patriarchs (Traditional). Judges # 1. Judges # 2. Kings # 1. Kings # 2. Prophets # 1. Prophets # 2. NT # 1. NT # 2. NT # 3. ]

          [ MAPS: Maps # 1. Maps # 2. Maps # 3. Maps # 4. Maps # 5. ]

          [ COMMENTARIES, ETC: GENERAL: Bible Study Tools; Bible Hub: Study Light; Blue Letter Bible // PSALMS: Monergism: Precept Austin: The Treasury of David; John Gill; John Calvin - Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

          [ MUSIC: GENERAL: The Cyber Hymnal // PSALMS: Genevan Psalter (Instrumental). Psalm 46 - #1. Psalm 46 - #2. Psalm 46 - #3. ]

     The Psalmist begins by stating that God is or refuge and strength (or shelter and security). He is a very present help (literally, a vehement coming) in time of trouble. Therefore we will not fear even though the earth is removed (altered) and the mountains (the mountain range) is carried (slips away) into the sea; though its waters roar and are troubled (roar and boil) and the mountains undulate (1-3). There is a river, says the Psalmist, which makes glad (brightens up) the city of God and the Tabernacle of God. God is in her midst; and she will not be moved (waver). God will help her early (at the turning of the dawn). The heathen raged and the kingdoms were moved (wavered) -- unlike God's people who do not waver, due to his protection. When God uttered his voice against the nations they melted (or dissolved). The LORD of hosts, as stated in the beginning of the Psalm, is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge -- our cliff or tower (4-7). So the Psalmist invites us to come and behold the works of the LORD -- his desolations, his destruction of the warriors and the weapons of war which come against his people. And the LORD himself speaks, saying "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" And, as he did in the beginning and in the middle of the Psalm, the Psalmist concludes with the assurance that the LORD of hosts is with us; and he is our refuge (8-11).

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
² Therefore will not we fear,
though the earth be removed,
and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
³ Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled,
though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

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.
⁵ God is in the midst of her;
she shall not be moved:
God shall help her,
and that right early.
⁶ The heathen raged,
the kingdoms were moved:
he uttered his voice,
the earth melted.
⁷ The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

⁸ Come, behold the works of the LORD,
what desolations he hath made in the earth.
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.
¹⁰ Be still, and know that I am God:
I will be exalted among the heathen,
I will be exalted in the earth.
¹¹ The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

* NOTE: On Opening and Closing Comments in the Psalms.
[Some commentators take the Psalm in Habakkuk 3 to be a standard model for the Psalms.
Habakkuk's Psalm begins with the name of the composer (Habakkuk) and a musical notation ("upon Shigionoth").
It closes with a dedication or a "send to" notice ("To the chief singer on my stringed instruments").
I have arranged similar material, where it is found in the Psalter, in accord with the model in Habakkuk.]