Psa 46 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Ps 46:1-11: Ps 46 This psalm of Zion celebrates God’s special presence in Jerusalem (see also Pss 48 , 76 , 87 , 122 ), inviting confidence in the Lord because the citizens of Zion enjoy his protection. 46:title sung by soprano voices: Hebrew according to alamoth (“maidens”; see also study note on 1 Chr 15:20). In worship, a choir or a group of instrumentalists performed this hymn. Summary for Ps 46:1-3: 46:1-3 Even when faced with natural disasters, the citizens of Zion express no fear.

Summary for Ps 46:1-11: Ps 46 ^a This psalm of Zion celebrates God’s special presence in Jerusalem (see also Pss 48 ^b, 76 ^c, 87 ^d, 122 ^e), inviting confidence in the Lord because the citizens of Zion enjoy his protection. 46:title ^f sung by soprano voices: Hebrew according to alamoth (“maidens”; see also study note on 1 Chr 15:20). In worship, a choir or a group of instrumentalists performed this hymn.
Summary for Ps 46:1-3: 46:1-3 ^g Even when faced with natural disasters, the citizens of Zion express no fear.
Summary for Ps 46:4-6: 46:4-6 ^h The strong city where God dwells protects its inhabitants. They enjoy the river flowing inside the city. This river contrasts with the turbulent waters (the powers of the nations) outside the city. 46:4 ⁱ Like the streams flowing through Eden, this river brings the water of life, restoration, and healing (36:8-9 ^j; see Gen 2:10 ^k; Ezek 47 ^l; Rev 22:2 ^m).
46:5 ⁿ From the very break of day: In the ancient Near East, enemies attacked cities during the day; even during the most dangerous times, the Lord will protect the place where his name dwells.
46:6 ^o People and nations live in chaos, characterized by opportunism (83:2 ^p), busyness (39:6 ^q), and noise. These people shake, totter, and crumble, unlike the city of God (cp. 15:5 ^r). In contrast, when the godly feel disturbed, they cry out for God’s help (42:5 ^s, 11 ^t; 43:5 ^u; 55:17 ^v).
46:7 ^w This refrain reminds readers of the identity of the God of Zion.

• among us: Hebrew ‘immanu, part of the name Immanuel, “God with us” (Isa 7:14 ^x; 8:8 ^y; Matt 1:23 ^z).
Summary for Ps 46:8-9: 46:8-9 ^aa This invitation to trust in the Lord offers a perspective on God’s interactions with human powers. 46:8 ^ab Israel saw the Lord’s glorious works in the wilderness (107:24 ^ac; 111:2 ^ad), but the wicked, who have no concern for them (28:5 ^ae), are left desolate (73:19 ^af).
46:10 ^ag A message directly from the Lord confirms the authenticity of the psalmist’s vision (see also 12:5-6 ^ah; 32:8 ^ai).

• know that I am God: The Lord will do what he promises (Isa 45:3 ^aj; 49:23 ^ak; 60:16 ^al).

• God will be exalted (Ps 47 ^am; Isa 6:1 ^an); he will judge the nations and rescue his people (see Pss 57:11 ^ao; 89:13 ^ap; 108:5-6 ^aq; 118:16 ^ar).