Psalm 46:8–11

Context

The superscription of Psalm 46 introduces it as a song of the sons of Korah. The psalm divides into three stanzas, each ending with "Selah." The meaning of Selah is uncertain, but it is thought to mark something related to musical performance or recitation. The second and third stanzas close with the refrain "The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge." The title "LORD of hosts" presents God as the commander of the armies of heaven.

Verses 8–11 form the third stanza. The psalmist calls to the congregation, "Come, behold the works of the LORD," and declares that God makes wars to cease. He breaks the bow, cuts the spear in sunder, and burns the chariot in the fire. In verse 10, God Himself speaks. This psalm is often classified with Psalms 48 and 76, among others, as a "Song of Zion," which celebrates God as the protector of Jerusalem (Zion). Some interpreters place the psalm against the background of the Assyrian army's withdrawal from Jerusalem in the time of Hezekiah (2 Kings 19), but no conclusive evidence supports this.

Interpretation

• Historical reading: The psalm is read as Israel's confession that God delivered the city from the threat of enemy nations.
• Eschatological reading: The image of wars ceasing unto the end of the earth is connected with the prophecies of peace in Isaiah 2:4 and Micah 4:3. It is understood as a picture of the consummation of the kingdom of God (eschatology).
• Devotional reading: Verse 10 is read as an invitation to lay aside anxiety and strife and to trust God. Preaching and devotional writing in many denominations widely adopt this reading.

Questions of Application

The Hebrew word rendered "be still" in verse 10 is understood to be closer in meaning to "let go" or "cease." For this reason, many commentators take it first of all as a command to stop fighting. Some interpreters identify the addressees as the nations, that is, the powers that oppose God. The verse is also frequently cited as a basis for quiet meditation or silent prayer. Some respond that, in context, the emphasis falls on acknowledging God's sovereignty rather than on personal inner tranquility. This observation also appears in discussions of contemplative prayer. Preachers also address whether "be still" should be understood as a call to passivity, that is, to do nothing at all.

In Korean Churches

The hymn that Martin Luther wrote on the basis of Psalm 46, known in English as "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," appears in the Korean Protestant hymnal under a title meaning "My Lord Is a Strong Fortress." Korean congregations frequently sing it on Reformation Sunday. Verse 10 is widely used as a quiet time passage and as a sermon text in times of personal or social crisis.

Related Passages

• Psalm 46:1–3
• Exodus 14:13–14
• Isaiah 30:15
• Psalm 37:7