4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.
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.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.
4 River fountains splash joy, cooling God's city, this sacred haunt of the Most High.
4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
4 A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High.
6 Who passing through the valley of Baca
6 As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools.
6 They wind through lonesome valleys, come upon brooks, discover cool springs and pools brimming with rain!
6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca, They make it a spring; The rain also covers it with pools.
6 When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs. The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings.
(Read Psalm 84:1-7)
The ordinances of God are the believer's solace in this evil world; in them he enjoys the presence of the living God: this causes him to regret his absence from them. They are to his soul as the nest to the bird. Yet they are only an earnest of the happiness of heaven; but how can men desire to enter that holy habitation, who complain of Divine ordinances as wearisome? Those are truly happy, who go forth, and go on in the exercise of religion, in the strength of the grace of Jesus Christ, from whom all our sufficiency is. The pilgrims to the heavenly city may have to pass through many a valley of weeping, and many a thirsty desert; but wells of salvation shall be opened for them, and consolations sent for their support. Those that press forward in their Christian course, shall find God add grace to their graces. And those who grow in grace, shall be perfect in glory.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 46:4
Commentary on Psalm 46:1-5
(Read Psalm 46:1-5)
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.