PSALM XLVI _The confidence of believers in God_, 1-3. _The privileges of the Church_, 4, 5; _her enemies, and her helper_, 6, 7. _God's judgments in the earth_, 8, 9. _He will be exalted among the heathen, and throughout the earth_, 10, 11. NOTES ON PSALM XLVI The _title_ in the _Hebrew_ is... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 46:2. _THEREFORE WILL NOT WE FEAR_] Let what commotions will take place in the earth, we will trust in the all-powerful arm of God. Probably the _earthquake_ referred to, here means _political_ _commotions_, such as those mentioned under the title; and by _mountains_, kings or secular s... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 46:3. _THOUGH THE WATERS THEREOF ROAR_] _Waters_, in prophetic language, signify people; and, generally, people in a state of political commotion, here signified by the term _roar_. And by these strong agitations of the people, the _mountains _- the secular rulers, _shake with the swell... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 46:4. THERE IS _A RIVER, THE STREAMS WHEREOF_] The Chaldee understands the _river_, and its _streams_ or _divisions_, as pointing out various peoples who should be converted to the faith, and thus make glad the city of God, Jerusalem, by their flowing together to the worship of the true... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 46:5. _GOD_ IS _IN THE MIDST OF HER_] God will not abandon them that trust in him; he will maintain his own cause; and, if his Church should at any time be attacked, he will help her, _and that_ _right early _- with the utmost speed. As soon as the onset is made, God is there to resist.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 46:6. _THE HEATHEN RAGED_] There had been terrible wars on all hands, and mighty states were crushed, when the poor Jews were, by the especial favour of God, kept in peace and safety. Kingdoms were moved while they were preserved. _HE UTTERED HIS VOICE_] These words seem to refer to th... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 46:7. _THE LORD OF HOSTS_ IS _WITH US_] We, feeble Jews, were but a handful of men; but the _Lord of hosts _- the God of armies, was on our side. Him none could attack with hope of success, and his legions could not be over-thrown. _THE GOD OF JACOB_] The God who appeared to Jacob in h... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 46:8. _COME, BEHOLD THE WORKS OF THE LORD_] See empires destroyed and regenerated; and in such a way as to show that a supernatural agency has been at work. By the hand of God alone could these great changes be effected.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 46:9. _HE MAKETH WARS TO CEASE_] By the death of Cambyses, and setting Darius, son of Hystaspes, upon the Persian throne, he has tranquillized the whole empire. That same God who for our unfaithfulness has delivered us into the hands of our enemies, and subjected us to a long and grievo... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 46:10. _BE STILL, AND KNOW THAT I_ AM _GOD_] הרפו _harpu,_ _Cease_ from your provocations of the Divine justice; cease from murmuring against the dispensations of his providence; cease from your labour for a season, that ye may deeply reflect on the severity and goodness of God-severity... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 46:11. _THE LORD OF HOSTS_ IS _WITH US_] Having heard these declarations of God, the people cry out with joy and exultation, The Lord of hosts, the God of armies, is with us; we will not fear what man can do unto us. _THE GOD OF JACOB_ IS _OUR REFUGE._] He who saved our fathers will sa... [ Continue Reading ]