PSALM 46 is a stirring celebratory song of victory, sung despite the surrounding presence of great epoch-shaking events. It is a psalm that reflects on Israel’s King David’s time and victories; it is also a psalm prized by Martin Luther during the time of the sixteenth century Reformation, and is also seen as a psalm that is an anchor of hope that visualizes the Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ. It is a psalm precious to individuals in times of trouble. To all these views, and periods of time, and people, God says “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psa. 46:10)
The psalm is traditionally thought to be a paean to God for his favor to King David’s battles and victories over the Philistines. This would be from somewhat early in David’s reign, when he still rode out to battle. The Hebrew word “alamowth” in the title is said to be “a musical term” by Christian theologians. However, in the Midrash—the Jewish rabbinical commentary—it is instead seen as an inscription to the “hidden things” that God does in the events of men. The triumphant line in David’s song—perhaps written by him, not of him—is “Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth.” (Psa. 46:8-9)
We imagine, as many have before us, David’s entry to Jerusalem in battle-glory, at the head of the army, with throngs of people lining the stone streets, applauding their heroes, and secure in their sense of peace and safety. One of the meanings of ‘be still’ is to lower one’s hands; in this context, to have them at rest at the sides, empty of weapons—*“to withdraw, relax, let drop.”
Martin Luther penned this beginning line of his beloved song: **“A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing.” He was himself the harbinger of change towards a new period of religious expression; the iron grip of the medieval Roman Catholic Church was to give way to the powerful rise of the Protestant Reformation. The times were precarious, and Luther became the match that lit a great bonfire.
This was soon accompanied by terrific and terrifying wars between the European nations of the time. Luther’s song reflects the absolute sovereignty and trustworthiness of God shown first to last in the psalm. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble—The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” (Psa. 46:1, 11) To ‘know that I am God’ is an elemental survival mechanism in times of upheaval, in times when war is sweeping peace away with the war-broom of destruction. The violent dismantling and re-forming of society and culture in this era in Europe was tantamount to “the earth giving way and mountains falling into the heart of the sea.” (Psa. 46:2b) The antidote to this then, as it is always, was “we will not fear.” (Psa. 46:2a) Only in this way can anyone ‘be still and know’ that ‘God is an ever-present help in trouble.’
Many theologians view this psalm as apocalyptic prophecy looking forward to the kingdom of peace established during the thousand-year presence of the Lord Jesus after he returns to earth. John’s vision says, “ To him be glory and power for ever and ever! Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him.” (Rev. 1:6-7) At that time, he will lock Satan “in the Abyss” in order “to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended.” (Rev. 20:3) Judges and martyrs, those who “had not worshiped the beast or its image” will come to life and “reign with Christ a thousand years.” (Rev. 20:4) When he comes, he will make “wars cease to the ends of the earth.” (Psa. 46:9) At that time he “will be exalted among the nations, exalted in the earth.” (Psa. 46:10).
This is “the first resurrection” (Rev. 20:6), and precedes the final and eternal time of peace, which we see also through John’s eyes: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Rev. 21:1-4)
Individuals throughout the long history of both Judaism and Christianity have taken to heart the promises of peace found in this psalm, despite being in the midst of overwhelming strife in whatever era they lived or personal struggles they have had to face. This remains so in our generation. The tides of time and circumstance will always submerge us in the frothy trials of existential struggle—a battle to keep hope alive in the face of overwhelming odds. The last stanza of Luther’s song speaks eloquently to this. **“Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing; Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing: Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He; Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same, And He must win the battle.”
And so, “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psa. 46:10) takes on a very personal meaning, an affirmation of a hope beyond our hope, a peace beyond our knowing, yet both ours in Jesus. “The old order of things is passed away.” (Rev. 21:4)
Q. Are my eyes fixed on the battle, or on Jesus?
*Strong’s 7503.
** Martin Luther, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” – 1527-1529.
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