Ps 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 1Ch 15:19-21; see on Ps 6:1, title). The theme may be stated in LUTHER'S well-known words, "A mighty fortress is our God." The great deliverance (2Ki 19:35; Isa 37:36) may have occasioned its composition.
1. refuge--literally, "a place of trust"
(Ps 2:12).
strength--
(Ps 18:2).
present help--literally, "a help He has been found exceedingly."
trouble--as in
Ps 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
Ps 36:8;
Zec 14:8;
Re 22:1).
city of God, the holy place--His earthly residence, Jerusalem and the
temple (compare
Ps 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
(Ps 17:2).
5. right early--literally, "at the turn of morning," or change from night to day, a critical time (Ps 30:5; compare Isa 37:36).
6. (Compare
Ps 46:2).
earth melted--all powers dissolved by His mere word
(Ps 75:3;
Ho 2:22).
7. with us--on our side; His presence is terror to our enemies,
safety to us.
refuge--high place
(Ps 9:9;
compare also
Ps 24:6, 10).
8. what desolations--literally, "who hath put desolations," destroying our enemies.
9. The usual weapons of war (Ps 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 Isa 2:11; Eph 1:22).
