Psalm 46:1–11

Bible Studies for Life 
Assistant to the President for Church Relations, Samford University

The Shelter of God’s Peace

Psalm 46:1–11

This Psalm was written for corporate worship. The great hymn “A Mighty Fortress” is based upon the words of this Psalm. While the historical setting of this passage is unknown, certainly one can assume the writer of the hymn recalled God’s faithfulness in the midst of uncertainties. It is widely known Psalm 46 was Martin Luther’s favorite Old Testament passage. In times of great distress and difficulty Luther would ask his lifelong friend Philipp Melanchthon to sing the words of this Psalm with him. The words still have the ability to strengthen our resolve through difficult times as we are reminded our God is a “safe place” for us. The Psalm is broken down into three sections, each ending with the word “selah.” This was done as a break in the music to reflect on the words that had been sung.

Peace is ours because no calamity can overwhelm our God. (1–3)

“God is our refuge.” The Hebrew word for “refuge” also could be translated “bulwark.” Immediately we notice the focus is on God Himself. He alone is our Bulwark, our Refuge. A refuge or bulwark is something that represents lasting security. We find that in nothing else but God. Our possessions, our jobs, even our families do not offer us consistent refuge and security. A fitting bulwark never shifts or moves; it is strong in the storm and it is trustworthy to protect. So it is with our great God. Notice it says God is a “present help,” not One who sympathizes with us from a distance. Verses 2–3 list the worst of circumstances: the roaring waters, the shaking mountains, an unsettled earth. None of these disasters will overcome our God. If you find yourself in an earth-shattering situation don’t lean on your strength — grab hold of the Bulwark which is never failing.

In the middle of any calamity or turmoil we can have peace. (4–7)

These verses indicate the Psalmist witnessed God’s intervention from a foreign army seeking to destroy Jerusalem. The “river” mentioned would have been the stream of Siloam that delivered fresh water to the city. The “holy place” would have been the temple mount. The temple mount represented the presence of God in the middle of the city. The Jews would confidently trust that God would protect their city because He was “in the midst of her.” Some have suggested that the reference to this event was 2 Kings 18–19. But it also is noted by scholars that the author never intended to only speak of the earthly Jerusalem but, more importantly, the heavenly one. The earthly Jerusalem was conquered. The heavenly one will never be overwhelmed. The writer of Hebrews spoke of this in Hebrews 11:10 as “the city with foundations whose architect and builder is God.”

Peace is ours because no nation or act of humanity is greater than our God. (8–11)

The author uses the most feared weapons of his day, the bow and the chariot, as examples of what God’s people may face. Today that would be the equivalent of the high-powered machine gun and tank. Yet his conclusion is God would break the bow and burn the chariot. The Lord reminds Isaiah, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper” (Isa. 54:17). The same is true for us. There will come a time when God will ultimately conquer and utterly destroy every earthly power. “He makes wars to end,” not because He brings peace but because He destroys those who oppose. That is the believer’s victory and promise. So how should we prepare for the battle? What action are we to take to help Him? None. We are called to simply “be still and know that I am God.” And not just any God but “the Lord of hosts.” Today trust in the Lord of hosts, the One who will deliver you. Take time to “be still” and claim the truths of this Psalm.