Text: Psalm 46
Theme: Be Still and see the Lord
1. TITLE OF THE PSALM
The title of the Psalms comes from the Septuagint Greek version. Jews called it Tehillim (Praises – Psalm 145). Psalms have classified as Hymnals, prayers, wisdom teaching, and groups of random poems about God and his relation to Israel basically and to all. It is known as the Book of the Second Temple of Zerubbabel. Though it reflects the olden historical days, also it serves as a mirror of our struggles and joys. Psalms have five divisions.
This Psalm 46 falls into the second division (42-72). It speaks of David and the Davidic kingdom. The superscriptions are Songs of Asaph, Songs of Sons of Korah, and Songs of Ascents. The title also has superscriptions in the Hebrew language as mizmor (Psalm); shiggaion; miktam; shir (song); maskil; tephillah; tehillah; lehazkir (for being remembered); letodah (for praising or for giving thanks); lelammed (for teaching); and shir yedidot (song of love or wedding song). 73 Psalms are from David (experiences of shepherd boy to King)
The trilogy Psalms of 46, 47, and 48 focuses on God’s special love for Jerusalem and his kingship over that City, and nation. These Psalms have known as Songs of Zion fall under the Second Book of Psalms. Thematically these cluster of psalms expresses confidence in the security of God's people amid the threatening world.
Normally the name is vital in our lives. The name reflects the character of a person and actions and reactions. Our name is not just a name to call but to reflect our Character for anyone to write our history. The name had significance. So, God changed Abram to Abraham, Sarai to Sarah, Jacob to Israel, Simon to Peter, etc., His Character is as his name is known.
Likewise, the title of this Psalm 46 derives from itself. The Sons of Korah hailed from the family of Levites, and they are different from the Sons of Korah whom the earthquake swallowed during the time of Moses and Aaron. This family served during the time of King David as per 2 Chronicles 20:19. They were musicians and instrumentalists.
This psalm had played through Alamoth. Adam Clark comments that Alamoth refers to the virgins or the Choir girls. It refers to the Soprano musical voices/part. The psalm intended to make Israel aware that its success and protection stem from its loyalty to God, and also to prompt Israel to share this message with the world, so that the other nations may also benefit from the same success and protection. One theory about this psalm, it was written after the miraculous destruction of Sennacherib’s army during their attack on Yerushalayim, war ceased, and trouble ended for Israel (2 Kings 19:35 - ref: theisraelbible.com).
According to Jewish Rabbis the structure of this Psalm are as follows:
Superscription (v. 1)
First stanza: 3 verses (vv. 2-4)
Selah (v. 4)
Second stanza: 3 verses (vv. 5-7)
refrain + Selah (v. 8)
Third stanza: 3 verses (vv. 9-11)
refrain + Selah (v. 12)
(refer: jbqnew.jewishbible.org)
2. THEOLOGY OF THE PSALM
The rule of God has understood by King David. Elohim was a king present in the kingdom of David. He was the warrior and source of blessings. David sings God as an ever-present helper(v. 1-3), ever serving God(v. 4-7) and ever defending warrior (v. 8-11).
Thematically, the first stanza is about trust in Divine protection from forces of nature, the second about Divine protection of the City of God, and the third about Divine protection from enemies (refer: jbqnew.jewishbible.org). This short Psalm had mentioned four times that GOD IS WITH US in the worst times of our lives. Three purposes are expressed in this Psalm as God as Judge, God as peacemaker to cease the wars and God as the ruler of all nations (Psalm 46: 9, 10) (ref: bridgesforpeace.com)
a. GOD IS EVER-PRESENT
Hebrew word used for present, can mean to be found, to be encountered, to be discovered, detected, recognized, to prove to be, to be found sufficient, or to be enough. God does ever-present in the form of his sons and daughters. He serves and defends through his anointed kings and priests. This psalm is not an empathy statement with victims of a natural disaster like earthquake and tsunami. But somewhat a confession of faith on the continuous divine protection during calamities.
God is ever as refuge and strength. God is expressed and experienced as Yahweh, Elohim, and God of Jacob and God of all generations. Elohim is our refuge and strength, a very present help in tzoros (Jewish Bible).
The Protestant Reformer Martin Luther appropriately translated these words in his famous hymn as "A mighty fortress is our God." It could be rephrased to say that God is "our impenetrable Défense" (Nelson Study Bible). The name “El” for God was used by neighboring countries to indicate the name of their mountain gods. But David uses this term for God to denote that he was the God of mountains and God of Els or Elohim means the God above all “Els”. No Baal can come near to him.
So David says that you are more than enough and you are always available whenever I need you (Psalm 46:1, The Passion ). The Elohim of Jacob is our stronghold. (Names of God). Names ending with "el" refer to this God, for example, Bethel, Israel, Joel, Daniel, Ezekiel, and Michael., etc. Unity of man is possible by the worship if this One God Elohim. The trials and tribulations throughout history, the natural disasters, as well as wars and conflicts, are all experiences, through which man acknowledges the greatness of God, and unites in piety, peace, and prosperity.
b. GOD IS EVER-SERVING
The nearness of God is also experienced daily through his service to all of us. He is present in the City and makes it greenery every time. The streams of healing, joy, and prosperity flow through the streets of the City. So we read “God is within her, and she will not fall (Psalm 46:5). He makes her glad every morning through the streams of Joy and overflows of water” (NIV). There is a river that brings happiness to God's city and tabernacle (Psalm 46:4).
Jerusalem had no river unlike Thebes (Nahum 3:8), Damascus (2 Kings 5:12), Nineveh (Nahum 2:6, 8), and Babylon (Psalm 137:1) had rivers to feed, and used for irrigation. But, it is a river of pleasures (Psalm 36:8) flowing from Him as the fountain of life. It is a metaphor for the continual outpouring of the sustaining and refreshing blessings of God, which makes the city of God like the Garden of Eden (Psalm 46: 5; Genesis 2:10; Isaiah 33:21; 51:3; Ezekiel 31:4-9). The river does symbolize the outpouring of God's Spirit and blessings (Ezekiel 47:1-12; Zechariah 14:8 – ref: bible.ucg.org).
So we can be sure about a God at our service from crack of dawn (v. 7 - The Message). Jesus is in the midst of two or three gathered in His name (Matthew 18:20). While Disciples were shut up indoors out of fear, Jesus appeared in their midst (John 20:19). John sees Him standing amid the seven churches (Revelation 1:13). His tabernacle was in the midst of the wilderness camp, and He walked in the midst of them (Deuteronomy 23:14). He is ever protecting God.
c. GOD IS EVER-DEFENDING
Since God is present and serving us, so also, he is ever defending as a shield from all our enemies and troubles. His presence continues in our struggles and life journeys. There is no moment where we feel that we are lonely because he had been with us in all our battles and assured us the victories and success, Because, that was the experience and expressions of David.
So Psalmist calls to “Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at God, your High God, above politics, above everything.” (The Message). Come, gaze, fix your eyes on what the Eternal can do (Psalm 46:8 - The Voice). Let go of your concerns! Then you will know that He is Elohim (v. 10 - Names of God). Jacob-wrestling God fights for us, God-of-Angel-armies protects us (v. 7 and 11 -The message). Spurgeon says we are like donkeys without strength, but he makes us run like horses, or when we are like broken bent reeds, the Lord gives strength to stand straight, because of El Elohim, great helper. Elohim was a very present help in troubles. The nearness of God had been tasted on several occasions by Psalmists.
3. THE TRANQUILLITY OF THE PSALM
Tranquillity is a sense of peace and quietness. Its roots are in the Latin TRANS meaning "exceedingly" and QUIES meaning "rest", or "quiet. Be Still and Know that I am the Lord of the Universe. Lord of you. Lord of times and seasons. This Psalm ends with a word in Bracket “Selah”. The word Selah has mentioned after verses 3, 7, and 11. The word Selah refers to the musical interlude, and Selah means a Pause, and change of Key. Selah means silent. Silent means the complete absence of sound. So Psalmists says, “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). The silence leads to the realization of God. Silence avoids rushing in life. Silence makes us listen to the whisper of God. Silence helps us to move towards the call of God, challenges of God. Silence helps to know the people around us, cries of the poor, needy, saints, and martyrs. Silence brings the shalom of God.
Elijah had the experience of the still God. He was thinking of God as thunderous, lightening, and threatening burning bush and fire. But, immediately, a calm God appeared to him and spoke to him (1 Kings 19:11-13). Revelation 8th Chapter records a silence in heaven for a half-an-hour which means the call to silence our noises, the noises of music, noises of instruments, noises of meaningless worship. Listen to the cries of the people. Give more time for prayers and supplications and petitions (Rev. 8:1-4).
Jesus taking at rest during the stormy voyage is an example for all of us to depend upon God (Mark 4). We need to quieten in the presence of God during any trouble in our lives. Paul could look unto God during the stormy voyage and roaring waves (Acts 27). Silence brings joy, peace, and victory. The secret of success in Christian life is silence before God. Exodus 14:13-14 Be still and see the salvation of the Lord.
God bless.
