Charles Ellicott Commentary Psalms 46

Refuge and strength. —Better, a refuge and stronghold, or a sure stronghold, as in Luther’s hymn,

Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott.

A very present help. —Better, often found a help.

Though the earth be removed. —Literally, at the changing of the earth. Possibly with the same figure implied, which is expressed in Psalm 102:26, of the worn-out or soiled garment. The psalmist was thinking of the sudden convulsion of an earthquake, and depicts Israel as fearless amid the tottering kingdoms and falling dynasties. Travelers all remark on the signs of tremendous volcanic activity in Palestine.

It is interesting to compare the pagan poet’s conception of the fearlessness supplied by virtue (Horace, Ode 3:3).

Though the waters ... —The original is very expressive in its conciseness:

“They roar, they foam, its waters.”

Compare Homer’s equally concise description, including in three words the “rush,” the “swell,” and the “roar” of ocean (Iliad, 23.230).

Swelling. —Or, pride. (Compare Job 38:11.) The change in construction in this verse seems to confirm the suspicion that the refrain has dropped away.

A river ... —Hebrew, nâhar, that is, a perennial stream, as distinguished from nâchal, a torrent bed dry except in the rainy season. Plainly, then, the “Cedron” is not here alluded to. But many commentators think “Siloam” is intended. (See Stanley, Sinai and Palestine, page 180, and compare to Isaiah 12:3; Ezekiel 47:1–5; John 7:37.)

There may not, however, be any such local allusion. The river, flowing calmly and smoothly along, may be only a symbol of the peace and blessing of the Divine presence, as the tumult and tempest of the sea in the last verse are of the world’s noisy troubles. Indeed, the Septuagint (compare to Prayer Book version) seems to connect the river of this verse with the waters of the preceding.

Streams. —See Note on Psalms 1:3, where the same word occurs.

Right early: Literally, at the turning of the morning. Evidently metaphorical of the dawn of a brighter day.