Psalm 46 Summary - 5 Minute Bible Study

Psalm 46 Short Summary:

Psalm 46 is a psalm of worship in which the author praises God for being a refuge to His people when the world around them is in chaos. He begins with the well-known words, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (46:1). The psalmist’s confidence in God was resilient even in the face of the world’s worst calamities.

Psalm 46 Summary

AUTHOR:

• The Sons of Korah (a family of the Tribe of Levi).

NEW TESTAMENT REFERENCES:

• No Know New Testament References.

THEMES:

• God is a fortress from outside dangers.

• No calamity, not even the destruction of the earth, is worth fearing if you are in the protection of God.

• “Be still, and know that I am God.”

DEFINITIONS:

• Selah – This word appears over 70 times in the Psalms. Scholars have tried for years to discover the true meaning of the word, but it remains somewhat of a mystery. Some scholars think it’s a musical pause or a literary pause, calling on the reader to stop and ponder what was just stated.  Other scholars propose its meaning is related to worship, an expression of praise to God. Still others suggest it’s a literary device used by the ancients to mark themes that run through the text. The only other book in the Bible where “Selah” is found is the book of Habakkuk.

OUTLINE:

• GOD IS A REFUGE WHEN THE EARTH FALLS APART (46:1-3):

  • This psalm is a psalm of worship in which the author praises God for being a refuge to His people when the world around them is in chaos.

  • He began with the words, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (46:1).

  • The psalmist’s confidence in God was resilient against the worst calamities.

  • It didn’t matter if the earth was torn from beneath his feet, the mountains were rocked by earthquakes, or he was barreled over by a flood of rushing waters, he knew God could get him through anything.

• THE SAFETY OF THE CITY OF GOD (46:4-7):

  • In contrast to the destructive flood waters that figuratively threatened other places, the author spoke of a safe city, a glad city, that was fed by a river.

  • Jerusalem, the “city of God,” was protected from outside calamities because it was the place of God’s presence.

  • “God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns” (46:5).

  • God preserved Jerusalem. It was not the will of men, but of God.

  • If God was determined to destroy a nation, it didn’t matter how hard they fought against Him, with just a word He could melt them from off the face of the earth (46:6).  

• BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD (46:8-11):

  • The psalmist invited people to think about the incredible acts of God and how He works to govern the world.

  • “He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the chariots with fire” (46:9).

  • The psalmist encourages us to pause and ponder the fact that God is God, and we are not.

  • God is in control, and He will ensure that His name is “exalted in the earth.” Nothing will prevent it from happening.
    

APPLICATION:

• A person can plot and plan and spend anxious hours in preparation, but if God isn’t on their side, their effort will come to nothing.

• It’s better to be still, to trust God in quiet contentment, and to affix your will to His knowing He is the best guide and the safest protector.

• “Be still, and know that I am God” (46:10).