[2] Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though — Though there should be nothing but confusion, and desolations round about us: which are often expressed by such metaphors.
[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.
A river — This may design the gracious presence, and blessing of the Lord, which is frequently described under the name of waters.
Make glad — Shall not barely preserve it from danger, but give great occasion for rejoicing and thanksgiving.
The city — Jerusalem, the place where God's holy tabernacle is settled.
[7] The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. /*Selah*/.
Raged — Against God, and against his people.
Uttered — He spake to them in his wrath.
The earth — The inhabitants of the earth were consumed.
[8] Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.
Desolations — Among those who were vexatious to God's people.
[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.
To cease — He hath settled as in a firm and well-grounded peace.
The land — Of Israel: from one end of it to the other.
The bow — The bows and spears, and chariots of their enemies.
[11] The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. /*Selah*/.
Be still — Stir no more against my people.
God — The only true and almighty God; your gods are but dumb and impotent idols.
Exalted — I will make myself glorious by my great and wonderful works.
Psalm 46 Bible Commentary
John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes
Verse 2
[2] Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though — Though there should be nothing but confusion, and desolations round about us: which are often expressed by such metaphors.
Verse 4
[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.
A river — This may design the gracious presence, and blessing of the Lord, which is frequently described under the name of waters.
Make glad — Shall not barely preserve it from danger, but give great occasion for rejoicing and thanksgiving.
The city — Jerusalem, the place where God's holy tabernacle is settled.
Verse 7
[7] The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. /*Selah*/.
Raged — Against God, and against his people.
Uttered — He spake to them in his wrath.
The earth — The inhabitants of the earth were consumed.
Verse 8
[8] Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.
Desolations — Among those who were vexatious to God's people.
Verse 9
[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.
To cease — He hath settled as in a firm and well-grounded peace.
The land — Of Israel: from one end of it to the other.
The bow — The bows and spears, and chariots of their enemies.
Verse 11
[11] The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. /*Selah*/.
Be still — Stir no more against my people.
God — The only true and almighty God; your gods are but dumb and impotent idols.
Exalted — I will make myself glorious by my great and wonderful works.