@Ps 46:1-11. Upon Alamoth--most probably denotes the treble, or part sung by female voices, the word meaning "virgins"; and which was sung with some appropriately keyed instrument (compare @1Ch 15:19-21; see on Ps 6:1, title). The theme may be stated in LUTHER'S well-known words, "A mighty fortress is our God." The great deliverance (@2Ki 19:35 Isa 37:36) may have occasioned its composition.
1. refuge--literally, "a place of trust" (@Ps 2:12).
strength--(@Ps 18:2).
present help--literally, "a help He has been found exceedingly."
trouble--as in @Ps 18:7.
2, 3. The most violent civil commotions are illustrated by the greatest physical commotions.
3. swelling--well represents the pride and haughtiness of insolent foes.
4. God's favor is denoted by a river (compare
@Ps 36:8 Zec 14:8 Re 22:1).
city of God, the holy place--His earthly residence, Jerusalem and the
temple (compare @Ps 2:6,3:4 20:2 48:2, &c.). God's favor, like a river
whose waters are conducted in channels, is distributed to all parts of
His Church.
most High--denoting His supremacy (@Ps 17:2).
5. right early--literally, "at the turn of morning," or change from night to day, a critical time (@Ps 30:5; compare @Isa 37:36).
6. (Compare @Ps 46:2).
earth melted--all powers dissolved by His mere word
(@Ps 75:3 Ho 2:22).
7. with us--on our side; His presence is terror to our enemies,
safety to us.
refuge--high place (@Ps 9:9; compare also
@Ps 24:6,10).
8. what desolations--literally, "who hath put desolations," destroying our enemies.
9. The usual weapons of war (@Ps 7:12), as well as those using them, are brought to an end.
10. Be still, &c.--literally, "Leave off to oppose Me and vex My people. I am over all for their safety." (Compare @Isa 2:11 Eph 1:22).