Explore the Bible Online

Psalms 46:4-7

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

4. [There is] a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy [place] of the tabernacles of the most High. 5. God [is] in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, [and that] right early. 6. The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. 7. The LORD of hosts [is] with us; the God of Jacob [is] our refuge. Selah.

Psalms 46:4-7 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Psalms 46:4

Theological / Devotional

A river. A beautiful figure of God’s protection. It represents a state of calm security in sharp contrast with the wild ocean of v. 3. The second stanza (vs. 4–7) depicts the peace of the city of God, while all that is outside her walls is in a state of uproar.

Streams. Probably picturing canals leading from the river to water gardens and dwellings. God’s protection is dispensed freely through innumerable channels. A city well supplied with water is the picture the prophets presented of the Jerusalem that might have been (Eze. 47:1–5; Joel 3:18; Zech. 14:8). The New Jerusalem will have its stream of living water (Rev. 22:1).

The city of God. Jerusalem, where God was represented as having His place of abode (see Ps. 48:1).

Tabernacles. In David’s day the ark, the symbol of God’s presence, was housed in a temporary dwelling (2 Chron. 1:3, 4).

By SdaBc