1Psalm 46—This psalm of David expresses complete confidence in God, no matter the circumstance. It depicts scenes of turmoil: natural disasters (Vv. 2, 3), political persecution (v. 6a), and even the end of days (v. 6b). The one who trusts in God can withstand such troubles, and be still and quiet, for God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
The title of this psalm is To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. A Song for Alamoth. These sons of Korah were Levites, from the family of Kohath. By David’s time it seems they served in the musical aspect of the temple worship (2 Chronicles 20:19).
God is our refuge and strength: Many of the other psalms begin with a description of the psalmist’s crisis. In Psalm 46, the poet begins with God’s provision. He looked to God for help in difficult times and found it. He could say these things by experience:
· That God Himself was a place of refuge, as the cities of refuge protected the fugitive in Israel.
· That God Himself was strength for His people, being strong for them and in them.
· That God alone was his refuge and strength, not God and something or someone else.
· That God Himself was their help – not from a distance, but a very present help. 2
Collect for Psalm 46: Lord God, our refuge and strength, when the restless powers of the world and the waters of hell rise up against your holy city, watch over it and keep it safe. By the river that flows from the throne of the Lamb, purify this new Jerusalem as your chosen dwelling, for you are with us, our stronghold now and forever. 3
Sources:
1. Luther’s Seal copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
2. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-46
3. Collect for Psalm 46, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, © 1996 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
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