What does Psalm 46:7 mean?

Against the backdrop of ungodly nations' instability, this psalm celebrates the stability of the Lord's people. This is part of the psalm's celebration of God's protection of the city of Jerusalem (Psalm 46:1–6).

Two titles identify God here. He is "the Lord of hosts" and "the God of Jacob." As the Lord of Hosts, God commands the armies of heaven and the entire universe. The title appears first in 1 Samuel 1:11, when Hannah prayed and requested a son. She acknowledged by this title that nothing was too hard for God.

The title "God of Jacob" identifies God as Israel's God (Genesis 32:28) who keeps the promises He made to Jacob and his descendants (Genesis 35:10–12). The people of Jerusalem believed no power on earth could destroy them because the Lord of Hosts, the God of Jacob, was with them and was their refuge. This was true, of course—but it did not mean God could not allow the people of Jerusalem to suffer judgment for their sinful rejection of God (Isaiah 1:2–3; Deuteronomy 30:15–19).

Believers today know and serve this same God: the Lord of Hosts, the God of Jacob, and He is with us at all times. He is Immanuel, meaning God with us (Matthew 1:23). Hebrews 13:5 assures us He will never leave us. Also, He is our refuge. The apostle John assured his readers that they were overcomers, because "he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4).

A fortress is a secure place, deliberately reinforced and strengthened against attack. In the original Hebrew, it implies somewhere inaccessible or elevated. Faith in God means placing one's trust beyond the reach of any earthly enemy.

Se'lāh is a Hebrew word without a clear definition. It appears to imply pause, or reflection, but might also be a musical reference.