What does Psalm 46:11 mean?

This closing verse of Psalm 46 repeats verse 7, probably in keeping with the psalm's musical nature. The term se'lāh, used at the very conclusion, is only vaguely interpreted. The use implies a pause, so it may be like the exclamation "amen!" or be used as part of musical notation.

The emphasis on God's role as commander of the armies of heaven, His covenant relationship with the people of Israel, and His omnipotent power to preserve His people are all fitting conclusions.

As the Lord of Hosts, God commands all the armies of heaven. He can do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. We face no problem that He cannot solve, no temptation that He cannot defeat, and no trial that He cannot overcome. Best of all, He is "with us." When Jesus commissioned His disciples, He promised to be with them always (Matthew 28:20), and Hebrews 13:5 assures us that He will never leave us or abandon us.

Further, our Lord is the God of Jacob. When Jacob was on his journey from Beersheba to Paddan-aram, he had a dream in which he saw the Lord above a ladder that stretched to heaven (Genesis 28:10–16). The Lord spoke to him and promised to give him and his descendants the land He had promised to Abraham and his descendants. He also promised to bless all the families of the earth in Jacob and his descendants. Finally, He promised to be with Jacob and to keep him and return him home. Despite the animosity of Esau and, later, the abuse of Laban, the Lord kept Jacob safe. He prospered Jacob and eventually returned him home. Jacob could not take credit for any of his good fortune (Genesis 32:22–28).

Similarly, the Lord is depicted as a reinforced, secure, high place beyond the reach of enemies: a "fortress." Nothing can destroy our safety in Him.