> [[psalm-45|← Previous]] | [[psalm-00|TOC]] | [[psalm-47|Next →]] --- # Psalm 46 ## God, the Protector of Zion 1 For the leader. A song of the Korahites. According to *alamoth*. ^psalm-46-1 ### I 2 God is our refuge and our strength, ^psalm-46-2 an ever-present help in distress. 3 Thus we do not fear, though earth be shaken ^psalm-46-3 and mountains quake to the depths of the sea, 4 Though its waters rage and foam ^psalm-46-4 and mountains totter at its surging. *Selah* ### II 5 Streams of the river gladden the city of God, ^psalm-46-5 the holy dwelling of the Most High. 6 God is in its midst; it shall not be shaken; ^psalm-46-6 God will help it at break of day. 7 Though nations rage and kingdoms totter, ^psalm-46-7 he utters his voice and the earth melts. 8 The LORD of hosts is with us; ^psalm-46-8 our stronghold is the God of Jacob. *Selah* ### III 9 Come and see the works of the LORD, ^psalm-46-9 who has done fearsome deeds on earth; 10 Who stops wars to the ends of the earth, ^psalm-46-10 breaks the bow, splinters the spear, and burns the shields with fire; 11 “Be still and know that I am God! ^psalm-46-11 I am exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.” 12 The LORD of hosts is with us; ^psalm-46-12 our stronghold is the God of Jacob. *Selah* \* (Psalm 46) A song of confidence in God’s protection of Zion with close parallels to [Ps 48]. The dominant note in [Ps 46] is sounded by the refrain, The LORD of hosts is with us ([Ps 46:8], [12]). The first strophe ([Ps 46:2] – [4]) sings of the security of God’s presence even in utter chaos; the second ([Ps 46:5] – [8]), of divine protection of the city from its enemies; the third ([Ps 46:9] – [11]), of God’s imposition of imperial peace. \* (46:1) Alamoth: the melody of the Psalm, now lost. \* (46:3] – [4) Figurative ancient Near Eastern language to describe social and political upheavals. \* (46:5) Jerusalem is not situated on a river. This description derives from mythological descriptions of the divine abode and symbolizes the divine presence as the source of all life (cf. [Is 33:21]; [Ez 47:1] – [12]; [Jl 4:18]; [Zec 14:8]; [Rv 22:1] – [2]). \* (46:8) The first line of the refrain is similar in structure and meaning to Isaiah’s name for the royal child, Emmanuel, With us is God ([Is 7:14]; [8:8], [10]). a. (46:2) [Ps 48:4]; [Is 33:2]. b. (46:4) [Ps 93:3] – [4]; [Jb 9:5] – [6]; [[isaiah-24|Is 24]]:18 – [20]; [54:10]. c. (46:5) [Ps 48:2] – [3]; [76:3]. d. (46:6) [Is 7:14]. e. (46:7) ([[psalm-02|Ps 2]]:1] – [5]; [48:5] – [8]; [76:7] – [9]; [[isaiah-17|Is 17]]:12 – [14]. f. (46:9) [Ps 48:9] – [10]. g. (46:10) [Ps 76:4]. h. (46:11) [Ps 48:11]. --- _New American Bible, revised edition_ (2010, 1991, 1986, 1970) Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. > [[psalm-45|← Previous]] | [[psalm-00|TOC]] | [[psalm-47|Next →]]