Overview
(NET)In this so-called “Song Of Zion” God’s people confidently affirm that they are secure because the great warrior-king dwells within Jerusalem and protects it from the nations that cause such chaos in the earth. A refrain (vv. 7, 11) concludes the song’s two major sections.
避難所 v.1, 7, 11 (7, 11 same word)
The Korahites were known as temple singers according to the superscriptions of Psalms 42; 44–49; 84; 85; 87, and 88
Structure and observations (BKC):
A. God is the Defense of His saints (46:1–3)
避難所 security 幫助 helpers even in times of troubles.
Troubles time, not only peaceful time: The mountains and the sea are turning upside down, not very mild trouble, but big trouble, the sea waves crash and foam, the mountains shake, but the psalmist said "we do not fear."
(BKC) The language is hyperbolic, to describe how great the perils may be that could come. No matter what happens, those trusting in Him are safe.
Reflection:
a. v.1-3The presence of God means power and protection. Therefore, we do not fear. The fearlessness is not because we have no disaster happening in our lives. The mountains and oceans may turn upside down, but we know that His power is good enough to deal with these things.
B. God is present in City of Zion/Jerusalem (46:4–7) rescues her
[4 有一道河，這河的分汊，使神的城歡喜
The river’s “channels” are probably irrigation ditches vital to growing crops. these waters are contrasted with the flood waters symbolizing Assyria.]
The reason why the psalmist did not fear what would happened around them was because God lives among them.
repeated words: 戰抖
v.5 God lives within it, it cannot be moved. The verb מוֹט (mot) 動搖, translated “upended” here, is used in v. 2 of the mountains “tumbling” 戰抖 into the seas and in v. 6 of nations being “upended.” 動搖By way of contrast, Jerusalem, God’s dwelling place, is secure and immune from such turmoil and destruction.
God rescues it at the break of dawn.
[moved] is used in v. 2 of the mountains “tumbling” into the seas and in v. 6 of nations being “upended.” By way of contrast, Jerusalem, God’s dwelling place, is secure and immune from such turmoil and destruction.
At the break of dawn. The “morning” is viewed metaphorically as a time of deliverance and vindication after the dark “night” of trouble (see Ps 30:5; Isa 17:14). There may be an allusion here to Exod 14:27 (where the Lord destroyed the Egyptians at the “break of dawn”) or, more likely, to the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian siege, when the people discovered the dead bodies of the Assyrian army in the morning (Isa 37:36).
46:6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms are overthrown.
God gives a shout, the earth dissolves.
In theophanic texts the phrase refers to God’s thunderous shout which functions as a battle cry (see Pss 18:13; 68:33).
People living in the city of God will be so joyful because God won the battle effortlessly.
Reflection:
v.4-7 The presence of God means joy, which comes from a sense of security. He won the battle effortlessly. The enemies' power did not come close to His. We dont even need to entertain the thought of "if's."
C. God will be exalted in the earth (46:8–11)
46:9 He brings an end to wars throughout the earth;
he shatters the bow and breaks the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
46:10 He says, “Stop your striving and recognize that I am God!
I will be exalted over the nations! I will be exalted over the earth!”
(NET) he brings peace to the earth by devastating the warlike, hostile nations (vv. 8, 9b).
“do nothing/be quiet (see 1 Sam 15:16) and know.” This statement may be addressed to the hostile nations, indicating they should cease their efforts to destroy God’s people, or to Judah, indicating they should rest secure in God’s protection. Since the psalm is an expression of Judah’s trust and confidence, it is more likely that the words are directed to the nations, who are actively promoting chaos and are in need of a rebuke.
v.7 and 11 are identical. It is the nature conclusion:
46:11 The LORD who commands armies is on our side!
The God of Jacob is our protector!
c. v.8-11 Therefore, the LORD tells the enemies dont even bother to try to strive.
The question is do we trust Him? Can we stop being fearful? Do we see that He is much stronger than the enemies and no one comes even close?
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