Psalm 46:8–11

Context

The superscription of Psalm 46 introduces it as "A Song for the sons of Korah." The psalm divides into three stanzas, each ending with "Selah." The meaning of Selah has not been determined with certainty; it is thought to be a marker 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." "Hosts" refers to 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 sings that God makes wars to cease by breaking the bow, cutting the spear in sunder, and burning the chariot in the fire. In verse 10, God Himself speaks. Along with Psalms 48 and 76, among others, this psalm is often classified as a "Song of Zion," celebrating God as the protector of Jerusalem (Zion). Some interpreters see the withdrawal of the Assyrian army from Jerusalem in the time of Hezekiah (2 Kings 19) as its background, but there is no conclusive evidence for this.

Interpretation

• Historical reading: The psalm is read as Israel's confession of God's deliverance in protecting the city from the threat of enemy nations.
• Eschatological reading: The scene of wars ceasing unto the end of the earth is connected with the prophecies of peace in Isaiah 2:4 and Micah 4:3 and 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. This reading is widely used in preaching and devotional material across many denominations.

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 those addressed 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. In response, some have pointed out that, in context, the emphasis lies on acknowledging God's sovereignty rather than on personal inner tranquility. This observation also arises in discussions of contemplative prayer. Another question addressed in preaching is whether "be still" should be understood as a call to passivity, that is, to do nothing at all.

In the Korean Church

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 hymnal under the title "Nae Junŭn Kanghan Sŏng-iyo" ("My Lord Is a Strong Fortress"). It is frequently sung 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