Matthew Poole and continuators on Psalms 46

1. GOd is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

(i. e.) He hath now manifested himself to be so, by the Course of his Providence.

Or, a sufficient, as this word is sometimes used, as Ios. 17. 16. Zech. 10▪ 10.

2. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea .

Though there should be nothing but shakings and Confusions, and Desolations in all the Nations round about us: which are oft expressed by such Metaphors, as Ier. 51. 25. Hagg. 2. 21, 22. Revel. 6. 14.

Marginal references: Heb. the heart of the Sea[illegible: 1+ letters].

3. Though the waters thereof roar, and be troubled : though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof Selah.

Though the Sea be very Tempestuous, and it's Waters (by which a multitude of People is oft signified, as Revel. 17. 1. 1[illegible: 1+ letters].) Rage, to wit, against us, as appears from the following Verses.

Though its Raging Waves assault mighty Princes and Kingdoms, and make them shake▪ and be ready to fall down.

4. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God : the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.

He either speaks of, or at least alludes to, the River of Kidron, 2 Sam. 15. 23. Ioh. 18. 1. and it's two streams or Rivolets following from it, Gi[illegible: 1+ letters]one and Siloah, 2 Chron. 32. 30. Isa. 8. 6. which being small and Contemptible, or still or gentle Waters are not unfitly opposed, to the vast and unruly Waters of the Sea. He insinuates the weak Condition of God's Church as to outward advantages, that they had not one Sea to oppose to another, but onely a[illegible: 1+ letters] small River; which though in it self despicable, yet was sufficient to Refresh and defend them in spight of all their Enemies. And as the Sea and [illegible: 1+ letters]aters thereof, v. 2, 3. are to be understood Metaphorically, as all agree, so also in all Probability, are this River and Streams: Which therefore may design the gracious Presence and Assistance, and Blessing of the Lord, (which is very frequently described under the Name of waters, as Isa. 11. 9. and 12. 3. Zech. 14. 8. &c.) or the Lord himself, who is expresly said to be unto the City of Zion for it's defence, a place of broad Rivers and Streams, Isa. 33. 20, 21. which probably alludes to this Text, or at least explains it.

(i. e.) Shall not barely defend it from utter Ruin▪ but preserve it from Danger, and give great, occasion for Rejoycing and Thanksgiving.

(i. e.) Zion or Ierusalem so called, also Psal. 48. 1. Isa. 60. 14.

(i. e.) Of the Tabernacle, the plural Number for the singular, as Psal. 43. 3. The place where God's holy Tabernacle is settled.

5. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early .

Heb. as soon as the Morning appeareth, (i. e.) Speedily, after a short Night of affliction; Comp. Psal. 30. 5. and seasonably, when the Danger is greatest, and the Enemies prepare to make the Assault; which is commonly done in the Morning.

Marginal references: Heb. [illegible: 1 word] the Morning appeareth.

6. The heathen raged , the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voyce, the earth melted .

To wit, against God, and against his People.

Either he thundred: Or, he spake to them in his Wrath, as is said, Psal. 2. 5.

The Inhabitants of the Earth, who were combined against Zion, were dispirited and consumed.

8. Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth .

(i. e.) Among those People of the Earth, who were Neighbouring and Vexatious to God's People, and therefore were cut off by David, and their Lands and Cities in great part wasted.

Marginal references: Psal. 66. 5.; Or, who hath made Desolations▪

9. He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth : he breaketh the bow, and cuteth the spear in sunder, he burneth the Chariot in the fire .

He hath ended our Wars, and settled us in a firm and well-grounded Peace.

Or. of this Land, to wit, of Israel: From one end of it to the other.

He speaks of the Bows and Spears, and Chariots of their Enemies; for he preserved those which belonged to his People.

Marginal references: Psal. 76. 3.

10. Be still , and know th[illegible: 1+ letters]t I am God : I will be exalted among the h[illegible: 1+ letters] I will be exalted in the earth.

He speaks Either, 1. To the Israelites, be still, (i. e.) Do you henceforth silently and quietly wait upon me without Fear or Dissidence. Or rather▪ 2. To the Heathen, who had Raged, v. 6. and therefore now he seasonably admonisheth them to be still, and to stir no more against God's people.

The onely True and Almighty God; and your God's are but dumb and impotent Idols.

(i. e.) I will make my self Glorious by my great and wonderful Works.