Psalm 46:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth.

NIV: Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth.

NASB: Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has inflicted horrific events on the earth.

CSB: Come, see the works of the Lord, who brings devastation on the earth.

NLT: Come, see the glorious works of the Lord: See how he brings destruction upon the world.

KJV: Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth.

NKJV: Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has made desolations in the earth.

Scripture is not clear if some unique event inspired this song of praise. Similarities between phrases in this psalm and the writings of Isaiah suggest it might have been written, or at least commissioned, by king Hezekiah. During his reign, the kingdom of Assyria attempted to conquer Jerusalem, only to be supernaturally annihilated by God (2 Kings 19:35). After 185,000 troops were destroyed, the invaders fled without harming the city (2 Kings 19:36). Thanks to God's unending supply of protection, the city was saved from certain doom (Psalm 46:1–7).

In that instance, at least, the people of Israel did not have to fight for themselves. The Lord came to their defense. This situation previewed what will happen at the end of the millennium: the thousand-year reign of Christ. The Devil will be released from the bottomless pit and will deceive the nations from around the world. Those militant anti-Christ nations will surround Jerusalem, called "the camp of the saints" and "the beloved city" (Revelation 20:7–9). However, God will come to Jerusalem's defense. He will rain fire from heaven upon the marching armies and consume them. The judgment ends the Devil's wicked activity on earth. He is thrown into the lake of fire to be tormented forever and ever (Revelation 20:10).

Psalm 46:8–11 invites worshipers to consider the peace God gives those who trust in Him. He triumphs over those who wage war, and He will be given His proper respect among the peoples of earth. He is with His chosen nation, Israel, as their protector and guardian. This might have been composed in response to one of God's miraculous rescues of Israel, such as when Assyria besieged the city (2 Kings 19:35).

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.