Psalm 46

Be still and remember who is God

Nothing will rattle God

For the music leader. To the tune of “Alamoth.” [1] A psalm of Korah’s family. [2]

1God is our sanctuary when trouble strikes.
He’s our strength whenever we need him.
2We’re not afraid
When the ground shakes,
Mountains slide into the sea,
3Waves swell and crash into foam,
Or mountains tremble at the angry sea.

Instruments [3]

4There is a river
That sweetens [4] the city of God,
The sacred home
Of God himself. [5]
5God is in his city.
Nothing is going to rattle this town.
When trouble comes, it’s God to the rescue.
He’s there to help by first wink of dawn.
6Nations rage.
Kingdoms fall.
God speaks,
And the earth melts.
7The LORD of all [6] is with us.
The God Jacob worshiped
Is the same God who keeps us safe.

Instruments

8Come here and take a look at what the LORD has done.
Look at the majesty of what he has done here on earth.
9He ends war anywhere in the world.
He destroys the weapons: bow and spear.
He sets fire to wagons of war: chariots of any kind.

Calm yourself

10God says,
“Quiet yourself down and remember this:
I am God.
I command the nations.
I command the earth.”
11The LORD of all is right here with us.
The God of Jacob is protecting us.

Instruments

Footnotes

Intro Notes for Psalms

Intro Notes for Book 2 of 5 in Psalms

146:1

It’s uncertain what “Alamoth” means. It could be the tune to which the song is sung or recited. It might be a style of music, such as a soprano solo, which could be appropriate to the upbeat message in the lyrics. It might be the name of the songwriter. Guesses are based mainly on context clues, which are few and not especially helpful.

246:1

The subtitle wasn’t part of the original psalm. Korah was a musical family in the tribe of Levi, one of the 12 tribes that made up the original nation of Israel. Levite families worked as priests and worship leaders and assistants for the Jewish nation.

346:3

The word in the original language of Hebrew is selah. Bible scholars haven’t figured out what it means yet, so all we can do is guess. It could mean “pause for effect,” “instrumental interlude,” or “choir singing ‘Amen.’” We’re offering a guess instead of selah. Though selah might be the better way to go because it’s always correct, it’s also always incomprehensible. “Instruments” has a good chance of being wrong, but at least we convey the idea that the Hebrew word behind it probably has something to do with enhancing the song.

446:4

The Hebrew word, samach, means to make something happy or to give people a reason to celebrate.

546:4

Literally, “the Most High.”

646:7

Literally “LORD of Hosts.” A host can refer to an army, a lot of angels, stars, or all of creation.