Psalm 46:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,

NIV: Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

NASB: Therefore we will not fear, though the earth shakes And the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;

CSB: Therefore we will not be afraid, though the earth trembles and the mountains topple into the depths of the seas,

NLT: So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.

KJV: Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

NKJV: Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

Psalm 46 appears to have been written as a song for the entire congregation; it is a worship declaration from the nation of Israel. Based on prior experience with God's goodness (Psalm 46:1), the people resolve not to fear anything. God is their shelter, their power, and their well-proven advocate. Symbolically, the verse refers to some of the more common—and frightening—natural disasters. Both earthquakes and landslides involve the earth itself seeming to become unstable. Their results are catastrophic, and naturally cause fear. And yet, even in the face of those, God's people resolve to be faithful.

The language in this verse may symbolize the commotions and change that occur in nations. The nations rise and fall, but God remains the same. He declares in Malachi 3:6: "I the LORD do not change"; and Hebrews 13:8 describes Jesus Christ as "the same yesterday and today and forever." We all change as we grow older, and the political situation at home and abroad may change for the worse, but we do not need to fear. Our God never changes. We may not be able to count on good health or money in the bank or investments or friends, but we can always count on God.

Jesus taught His followers not to worry about material goods or food or drink but to put their confidence in God. He said, "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12:32).

Psalm 46:1–7 introduces the theme of trust in God. He is Israel's protector, and He is present whenever the people of Israel need Him. The people may trust in Him regardless of what happens. Neither natural calamities nor the threat of nations can shake God's people, because they have an abundant supply of the presence of the Lord of hosts, the God of Jacob.

Trust and thanksgiving are the main themes in Psalm 46. It begins with strong praise for God's strength and availability. It continues with the assurance that the nation of Israel need not fear, no matter what happens. Despite how anyone might rage, or strive, the psalm declares that God will one day judge mankind and put a dramatic end to war. The psalm ends as it began by confiding in the Lord of hosts, since He is with His people as their secure, undefeatable Protector. This psalm may have inspired Martin Luther to write the hymn "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God."

This psalm, found in the second division of Psalms (42—72), seems to have been composed for congregational worship. One possible background for this song is God's deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrians. They threatened the city in the time of King Hezekiah (2 Kings 18—19; 2 Chronicles 32; Isaiah 36—37). Scholars speculate Hezekiah may have written this psalm, as well as Psalms 47 and 48.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.