Psalms 46

God, the Protector of Zion

1For the leader. A song of the Korahites. According to alamoth .[#: the melody of the Psalm, now lost.]

2God is our refuge and our strength,

an ever-present help in distress.

3Thus we do not fear, though earth be shaken[#Figurative ancient Near Eastern language to describe social and political upheavals.]

and mountains quake to the depths of the sea,

4Though its waters rage and foam

and mountains totter at its surging.

5Streams of the river gladden the city of God,[#Jerusalem is not situated on a river. This description derives from mythological descriptions of the divine abode and symbolizes the divine presence as the source of all life (cf. Is 33:21; Ez 47:1–12; Jl 4:18; Zec 14:8; Rev 22:1–2).]

the holy dwelling of the Most High.

6God is in its midst; it shall not be shaken;

God will help it at break of day.

7Though nations rage and kingdoms totter,

he utters his voice and the earth melts.

8The Lord of hosts is with us;[#The first line of the refrain is similar in structure and meaning to Isaiah’s name for the royal child, Emmanuel, With us is God (Is 7:14; 8:8, 10).]

our stronghold is the God of Jacob.

9Come and see the works of the Lord ,

who has done fearsome deeds on earth;

10Who stops wars to the ends of the earth,

breaks the bow, splinters the spear,

and burns the shields with fire;

11“Be still and know that I am God![#Ps 48:11.]

I am exalted among the nations,

exalted on the earth.”

12The Lord of hosts is with us;

our stronghold is the God of Jacob.

Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc
Published by: Confraternity of Christian Doctrine