PSALM 46

Psalms 46:1-11 . Upon Alamoth--most probably denotes the treble, or part sung by female voices, the word meaning "virgins"; and which was sung with some appropriately keyed instrument (compare 1 Chronicles 15:19-21 ; well-known words, "A mighty fortress is our God." The great deliverance ( 2 Kings 19:35 , Isaiah 37:36 ) may have occasioned its composition.

1. refuge--literally, "a place of trust" ( Psalms 2:12 ).
strength--( Psalms 18:2 ).
present help--literally, "a help He has been found exceedingly."
trouble--as in Psalms 18:7 .

2, 3. The most violent civil commotions are illustrated by the greatest physical commotions.

3. swelling--well represents the pride and haughtiness of insolent foes.

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 , 3:4 , 20:2 , 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. right early--literally, "at the turn of morning," or change from night to day, a critical time ( Psalms 30:5 ; compare Isaiah 37:36 ).

6. (Compare Psalms 46:2 ).
earth melted--all powers dissolved by His mere word ( Psalms 75:3 , Hosea 2:22 ).

7. with us--on our side; His presence is terror to our enemies, safety to us.
refuge--high place ( Psalms 9:9 ; compare also Psalms 24:6 Psalms 24:10 ).

8. what desolations--literally, "who hath put desolations," destroying our enemies.

9. The usual weapons of war ( Psalms 7:12 ), as well as those using them, are brought to an end.

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 ).