1The confidence of the church in God's protection. 8An exhortation to contemplate the works of his providence.
0To the 1chief Musician for the 2sons of Korah, A 3Song upon 4Alamoth.
1 See the first annotation at Psalm 4 in the title.
2 See the third annotation at Psalm 42 in the title.
3 Compare the first annotation at Psalm 48 in the title.
4 It is uncertain what this word signifies. Some hold it (as some other such like words) a certain musical instrument or a beginning of a certain song. Others (because the Hebrew word otherwise signifies maidens, and is derived from another word, which signifies to be hid) do render it here maidens-voice, as if the meaning of it was that this psalm should be sung with a pleasant sweet and clear voice (such as to maidens is more usual). This word is likewise found in the rehearsal of the musical worship, 1 Chron. 15:20, and seems to be put there in opposition to the loud, high or coarse music. See 1 Chron. 15 on verse 20.
1GOD is our refuge and strength, a 5very 6present help in trouble.
5 Hebr. much, very. Or as such: He is a very findable (that is, ready, present) Help in distresses.
6 Other, sufficient. See Num. 11 on verse 22.
2Therefore will not we fear, though 7the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the 8midst of the sea;
7 Or, though he (namely, God) did alter the earth from (its) place. By this figurative expression is represented the terrible and hideous stir and rage of the enemies of God’s church, whom He suffers indeed to rage most furiously and prevailingly, as if they would destroy and swallow up all, yet in the mean time wonderfully preserves His church far beyond the imagination and against the will of her enemies.
8 Hebr. heart of the seas. See Exod. 15 on verse 8; Deut. 4 on verse 11.
3Though the 9waters thereof roar and be 10troubled, though the mountains shake 11with the swelling thereof. 12Selah.
9 Namely, the seas.
10 That is, be turbid (unto which the Hebrew word has regard) as uses to happen in great tempests. See of the Hebrew word Job 16 on verse 16.
11 That is, the swelling of the sea. It may also be applied to God, thus: by means of his highness or exaltation, as Deut. 33:26; see there the annotation.
12 See Psalm 3 on verse 2.
4There is a 13river, the 14streams whereof shall make glad the 15city of God, 16the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
13 Although the river of Jerusalem (as Gihon, Siloah and others) be not so great and broad as others. See 2 Kings 5:12 and compare Isa. 8:6 and 2 Kings 20:20; 2 Chron. 32:20, etc. It seems the prophet would say by way of comparison or opposition: If the enemies likewise rage as a terrible and boisterous sea, the river with the rivulets runs quietly and pleasantly in God’s city, where one also trusts on God’s assistance in quietness.
14 Hebr. properly: partitions, as Psalm 1:3. That is, streams, brooks and rivulets, which run out of or are diverted from the river, or which also run into the river.
15 Understand Jerusalem, and thereby the church of God.
16 Other, the city of God, of the holy one (as God is called often in Scripture the holy one) the habitations of the most high or, of the holy one, of the habitations, etc.
5God is in the midst of 17her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that 18right early.
17 Namely, the city of God.
18 Hebr. when the morning appeareth; that is, early, timely.
6The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: 19he uttered his 20voice, the earth 21melted.
19 Namely, the Lord. Hebr. gave.
20 By the voice may be understood the thunder. See Psalm 29 on verse 3, and compare 1 Sam. 7:10.
21 A manner of speaking usual in the Scriptures to express the weakness of all creatures, especially of haughty and insolent men who set themselves in opposition against God’s majesty, and yet their heart faints and fails, yea melts like wax within them, if He begins but once to stretch out His hand in some measure. Compare Deut. 1 on verse 28.
7The LORD of 22hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
22 See 1 Kings 18 on verse 15.
8Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath 23made in the earth.
23 Or, hath wrought or made, appointed. Compare the histories 2 Kings 18; 19; 2 Chronicles 14; 20. Likewise 2 Samuel 10.
9He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the 24earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder;a he burneth the chariot in the fire.
24 Other, of the lands, that is, in all the land of Israel, as far as the same extends itself according to God’s promise. See Psalm 44:3. Otherwise it is in general also true, that it is God, Who through His just judgment works desolations throughout all the world, and makes peace again according to His good pleasure. See Isa. 45:7.
a pieces, parts*
1025Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the 26heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
25 This God Himself speaks to the enemies and persecutors of His church, who thought they had only to do with men.
26 I will show (unless you desist) that My power is not confined within the pales of the land of Israel, but that I am likewise Lord and Judge among all the heathen abroad; and will make My Name great, and glorious everywhere, by the executing of My judgments among them.
11The LORD of 27hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
27 See 1 Kings 18 on verse 15.