God is our Refuge and Strength (Psalm 46)

Psalm 46 speaks of the sovereign goodness of God, the troubles of the world, and the peace of the believer (46:1-2). The historical setting may be Sennacherib’s attack on Jerusalem in 701 B.C. (2 Kings 18:28- 30; 19:16, 35). But the Psalm is expressed in more general terms.

  1. God is our refuge and strength.
  • 46:1; an image used in Ps. 61:3; 62:7-8; 71:7; 142:5.
  • 46:8-9 – God attacks too
  • 46:4; see Ezek. 47:1-12; Zech. 14:8; Rev. 22:1-2. This points to refreshing and renewing blessing through the Holy Spirit.
  1. The world can be a dangerous place.
  • trouble – 46:1; monumental disasters – 46:2-3, 6; and interventions in the political affairs of men – 46:8-9.
  • John 16:33. When advised not to travel to Worms in 1521, Luther had Psalm 46 in his heart and soul, and said: ‘Were there as many devils in Worms as there are roof-tiles, I would still go.’
  1. We are called upon to rest in God.
  • a present help in trouble’ (46:1); fear is not appropriate – 46:2-3; God helps and refreshes Zion with spiritual blessings – 46:4-5; He is with His people – 46:7, 11; He wages war to bring about peace – 46:8- 9.
  • 46:10. John Calvin, Allan Harman, Tremper Longman III, and Derek Kidner say that God is speaking to the world, especially to the Gentile invaders. In their view, ‘be still’ would be understood more along the lines of ‘desist’ or ‘abandon’. That fits but it seems better to understand the whole Psalm as God speaking to troubled believers. Verse 11 flows on from this understanding of verse 10.