Psalms 46 - Introduction

A.M. 2981. B.C. 1023.

This Psalm is thought to have been composed upon the occasion of David's victories over the neighbouring nations, 2 Samuel 8:1, and the rest which God gave him from all his enemies round about. The style is lofty, and every way worthy of that royal author. With great force of expression he compares the powerful fury and terror of his enemies to that of an earthquake, or the threatening horrors of a tempestuous sea. It is a Psalm which encourages us to trust and hope in God, and in his power and providence, and gracious presence with his church in the worst of times, and directs us to give him the glory for what he has done and will do for us. We have here,

(1,) The safety of the church under God's care, Psalms 46:1.

(2,) An exhortation to behold his works, and to trust in him, Psalms 46:8.

Title. A song upon Alamoth This word is translated by some, The virgins, and is supposed either to refer to some tune, then in common use, or some musical instrument, unknown to us, which was peculiarly adapted to the virgins, who sung in the choir, 1 Chronicles 15:20. Some, however, translate the expression, things secret, and suppose that it refers to the secret and hidden mysteries of the gospel. The Syriac says, “Taken in its prophetical sense, it alludes to the preaching of the apostles.”