Psalms 46 is a messianic psalm and is so quoted in the Epistle to the Hebrews. After the Messiah has appeared in the previous psalm, in this psalm and the next two psalms the complaint of the remnant turns into a song of praise. God is their refuge. The voice of the enemy, which at first had said scornfully, "where is your God?" (42:10), is silenced. Peace flows like a river, with no chance of disturbing it, because the weapons have been rendered useless. This psalm is for Israel itself, which is evident from the expression "our" in 46:1; "he God of Jacob is our refuge" in 46:7 and 46:11; and "The LORD ... is with us (or for us)" (46:11) is the Name of Christ for His own: Immanuel, which means "God with us".
In Psalms 46 the leading idea is the Presence of The LORD, in the midst of His city and people, as the ground of their confidence: Comment on this great song of confidence seems almost unnecessary so powerfully has it taken hold on the heart of humanity, and so perfectly does it set forth the experience of trusting souls in all ages and in tumultuous times.
The system of the song is worth noting. It is divided into three parts. The first (v. 1-3) is the challenge of confidence. The second (verses 4-7) tells the secret of confidence. The third (v. 8-11) declares the vindication of confidence.
The challenge announces confidence in God as refuge and strength and very present help, and defies fear even in the midst of the wildest upheavals. In days when tempests shake loose all solid things and the restless waters roar and surge till mountains shake, the soul is confident. The secret of the confidence is the consciousness of the nearness of God.
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