Ps. 46 THE ARGUMENT The occasion of this Psalm is thought to be that happy success, and settlement, and peace which God granted to the people of Israel in David’s time, and by his means, 2 Sam. 8:0 The confidence and safe condition of the church under God’s care, Ps.

God is our refuge, i.e. he hath now manifested himself to be so by the course of his providence. A very present; or, a sufficient, as this word is sometimes used, as Josh. 17:16, Zech. 10:10.

Though there should be nothing but shakings, and confusions, and desolations in all the nations round about us; which are oft expressed by such metaphors, as Jer. 51:25, Hag. 2:21–22, Rev. 6:14.

Though the sea be very tempestuous, and its waters (by which a multitude of people is oft signified, as Rev. 17:1, Rev. 17:15) rage, to Wit, against us, as appears from the following verses. Though its raging waves assault mighty princes and kingdoms, and make them shake and be ready to fall down.

He either speaks of, or at least alludes to, the river of Kidron, 2 Sam. 15:23, John 18:1, and its two streams or rivulets flowing from it, Gihon and Shiloah, 2 Chron. 32:30, Isa.

Heb. as soon as the morning appeareth, i.e. speedily, after a short night of affliction; compare Ps. 30:5; and seasonably, when the danger is greatest, and the enemies prepare to make the assault; which is commonly done in the morning.

The heathen raged, to wit, against God, and against his people. He uttered his voice; either he thundered, or he spake to them in his wrath, as is said, Ps. 2:5. The earth melted; the inhabitants of the earth who were combined against Zion were dispirited and consumed.

i.e. Among those people of the earth who were neighbouring and vexatious to God’s people, and therefore were cut off by David, and their lands and cities in great part wasted.

He hath ended our wars, and settled us in a firm and well-grounded peace. The end of the earth, or of this land, to wit, of Israel; from one end of it to the other. He speaks of the bows, and spears, and chariots of their enemies; for he preserved those which belonged to his people.

He speaks either, 1. To the Israelites, Be still, i.e. Do you henceforth silently and quietly wait upon me without fear or diffidence. Or rather, 2. To the heathen, who had raged, Ps. 46:6; and therefore now he seasonably admonisheth them to be still, and to stir no more against God’s people.