Psalm 46 - Psalm Of The Sons Of Korah

Psalm 46 - Psalm of the Sons of Korah

Psalm 46 For the choir director. A Psalm of the sons of Korah, set to Alamoth. A Song.

We continue the series on the Psalms written and set to music by the Sons of Korah. All their psalms are beautiful and encouraging, and can we especially notice, almost all are uplifting and worshipful. There are three times in this psalm where the word “selah” is used, verses 3, 7, and 11. It is used 71 times in the Psalms and 3 times in Habakkuk. As to what this term means, I quote Ellicott – “There is only one conclusion, now universally admitted, that “Selah” is a musical term, but in the hopeless perplexity and darkness that surrounds the whole subject of Hebrew music, its precise intention must be left unexplained. This curious word must apparently remain forever what it has been ever since the first translation of the Bible was made ? the puzzle of ordinary readers, and the despair of scholars. One certain fact about it has been reached, and this is the very obscurity of the term. The conjecture that has the most probability on its side, makes it a direction to play loud. The derivation from sâlah, “to raise,” is in favour of this view.” Alamoth is another uncertain term but it may denote that the music of the song was to be pitched high for the treble or soprano voices of the Hebrew virgins. This weighty psalm was so important it was consigned to the choirmaster himself.

VERSES 1-3

Psalm 46 v 1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psa 46:2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; Psa. 46:3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah.

Verse 1. What comfort and assurance these words have given to God’s people through the ages. They are among the most endearing in the bible. They speak of devotion and faith and commitment. You look outside one day and the mountains start falling away and parts of the coast begin falling in the sea. How do you feel? Think about that. It is the scenario given in verses 2 and 3. They parallel such passages as John 14 v 1 “Let not your heart be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in Me. John 14:2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places. If it were not so, I would have told you for I go to prepare a place for you, John 14:3 and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself that where I am, there you may be also, and another - Psalm 18 v 2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” And yet another - Psalm 94 v 22 - But the LORD has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge. David wrote the verses we just read for he experienced God as his strong refuge over and over again in his immense troubles. Isaiah 33 v 2 is a prayer for the protection of the Lord - O LORD, be gracious to us; we have waited for You. Be our strength every morning, our salvation also in the time of distress.

Verse 1 is a verse I can testify to, in a situation where only God could be my help, and He was. God is so good and faithful. He is always true to His word. Do you see that word "refuge," near the beginning of verse 1? It is from a verb meaning to "flee," and then "to flee to", or “to take shelter in”. It denotes a place to which one would flee in time of danger, such as a lofty wall, a high tower, a fort or a fortress. It is a place of security, and no more secure place can be found than in the fortress of God. He is present, right beside us in trouble. Don’t miss the significance of the word “present” in verse 1. It means moment by moment. Always there immediately.

Listen to this comment – “God is a present help in trouble.” Right or wrong according to the psalmist? Well it is wrong. Do not miss the little word, that very important word “very”. It means very much. Two of the synonyms are “precise” and “extremely”. God is all over it; everything known to Him and under His control. Why is it then that I am slipping; can’t find a security in my problem?