Psalm 46, Be Still

For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. According to alamoth. A song.

Another psalm by the Sons of Korah, possibly from the time of Solomon.  We don't know the meaning of alamoth; it appears in the Old Testament one other time, in 1 Chronicles 15: 19-20, describing the singing when the ark is brought to Jerusalem by David. Yamauchi, in his commentary on 1 Chronicles, says that the word has, as its root, the concept of "maiden" or "virgin"; the Strong's webpage linked above translates the word as "(soprano voices of) young women."

Psalm 46: 1, Refuge and strength

 God is our refuge and strength, 

an ever-present help in trouble.

The psalm begins with a declaration, the theme for the song.

Psalm 46: 2-3, Though the earth give way

 Therefore we will not fear, 

though the earth give way 

and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

 though its waters roar and foam 

and the mountains quake with their surging.

Selah.

The upbeat first verse has a corollary -- when things look bad, we will still confidently lean on our Refuge.

Psalm 46: 4-5, River in the city of God

 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, 

the holy place where the Most High dwells.

 God is within her, she will not fall; 

God will help her at break of day.

In the city of God (Jerusalem?) there are refreshing streams of water. This view of earthly Jerusalem is echoed in Revelation 22: 1-3, a description of the heavenly Jerusalem to come.

Psalm 46: 6, Kingdoms fall

 Nations are in uproar,

 kingdoms fall; 

he lifts his voice, 

the earth melts.

While the people take refuge in the city of God, outside the city kingdoms fall. 

Psalm 46: 7, Our fortress  

The LORD Almighty is with us; 

the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Selah.

The theme is repeated: we have a fortress in YHWH, God of Jacob, the one who can bring desolation and peace.

Psalm 46: 8-9, Desolation and peace

Come and see the works of the LORD, 

the desolations he has brought on the earth.

 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; 

he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, 

he burns the shields with fire.

Ultimately wars are stilled and weapons of war are destroyed.

Psalm 46: 10, Be still

 "Be still, and know that I am God; 

I will be exalted among the nations, 

I will be exalted in the earth."

The tumultous nations are told to be quiet and recognize the God of the universe. Indeed all of Israel should be still, rejoicing in God.

Psalm 46: 11, Fortress (again)

The LORD Almighty is with us; 

the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Selah.

Verse 7 is repeated --  the the people of Israel, with YHWH on their side, may relax and be still, knowing that the plans of their Fortress will not fail.