Book 2: Psalms 42 to 72
As you begin this study let us pray:
Gracious Father, we thank you for the psalms and for those who wrote them. We ask that as we continue to look at the psalms that you will open our spiritual and physical eyes and ears to hear your word and appreciate our conversations with each other as we discuss the psalms. In your dear Son’s name. Amen.
I have several favourite psalms. There is Psalm 23, the Great Shepherd Psalm; Psalm 51, the psalm that David wrote after he committed adultery with Bathsheba; Psalm 121, when I am looking for assurance in life; Psalm 119 is a very long, yet is a great teaching psalm, if you have the time, it would be good for you to read through.
So, as we begin, please share with each other what your favourite Psalm is and why? Don’t be too concerned if you find it’s the same one!
Are you aware that many of the psalms were meant to be sung or said responsively? They have musical connotations (meanings, implications, nuances, and inferences). They have pauses and times to meditate deeper as to what is spoken. It is always good to speak the words out loud and slowly, as if you are drinking them in.
The Psalms also use a lot of picture language and geographical language, either comparing God’s unknown character to something familiar in nature or looking at the wisdom of God. Your pastor or Bible study leader may have some other ideas to chip in at this point.
This is why that the Book of Psalms has often been called the prayer book or song book of the Bible.
Today we will be looking at Psalm 46. Now many of us are aware that Martin Luther’s hymn A Mighty Fortress is our God is based on this psalm. It wasn’t until recently that I learnt that Psalm 91 was also an influence for this hymn. Many of us would know most of the first verse off by heart as we have sung it at many Reformation Day services.
As a group, please read all of Psalm 46. What words or ideas stick out to you? Share these with each other.
As we begin to look at Psalm 46, we see that in the introduction it is sent to the leader, is “of the sons Korah”, and it is a song.
It has 11 verses, and it is split into 3 stanzas.
At the end of each stanza there is a single word Selah. The meaning of Selah has been lost over the years. Many scholars believe that it is a musical term. Commonly held views are:
- Selah indicates a pause to either “stop and listen” or “to pause in God’s presence”;
- Selah is a synonym of Hebrew words that means “forever”;
- Selah is a derivative of the Hebrew root salal (note the s and l), which means to “raise voices in praise” or “make the instruments louder”;
- It can also be seen as a transition from one thought in the psalm to another thought.
Let us get back to Psalm 46.
Please re-read verses 1–3. How do these verses make you feel? What words would you use to describe those emotions?
The psalmist uses imagery to describe God. He is our refuge and strength. A very present help in trouble. In these first three verses the psalmist is painting the picture of our trust in God.
How would you describe a refuge? The word refuge has taken on a new meaning in many places. We have now come to appreciate the term “bushfire refuge”. Does this take away from the word “refuge” in the Psalm or does it help with the explanation?
A refuge was and is a place of strength. Luther used the word “fortress”. A fortress could be a castle or a walled town. Many villages had no wall and no protection. If a battle came close to them, all the civilians would race to the nearest fortress to get protection.
As we experience fear or trouble, it is good to remember that God is always present with us and is our place of protection.
In verses 2 and 3, the writer uses images of natural disasters. What disasters have you seen on TV or experienced personally? If you feel comfortable, please share.
At this Selah, the psalmist transitions us into another thought.
Read verses 4–7. What thought is the psalmist portraying? How do you think it connects to verses 1–3?
Re-read verses 4–7. What images does the psalmist use?
This section is set in the “city of God.” This term is only found in two other psalms written by the Sons of Korah (Psalm 48:1 and Psalm 87:3).
What city is this?
If it is Jerusalem, which is set on a hill, how can it have a river running through it? Yet when we look at Revelation 22:1–3; John 4:10; and John 7:37–39 we find a new meaning for this river of flowing water that make glad the city of God by bringing life. (Please read these passages)
There is a correlation or connection between verse 3 and verse 4. Verse 3 talks about “the waters roar and foam” and yet verse 4 about “a river whose streams make glad”, which talks about calm and stillness.
Which story from the Gospels does this remind you of?
How do you feel that the One who has created the universe and all that is in it, makes the marvellous choice to dwell with His people?
This stanza says to us that the Lord is with us (Immanuel).
Please read verses 8–9
We observe another transition. It is not so pleasant as the previous verses, but we should not be afraid.
What images do you hear and feel in these verses?
The Lord fights the battles, and he brings forth judgments on the earth. Yet ultimately these judgments bring a peace that only God can give.
If you have time read Romans 8:28. Have you ever had the experience where something bad has happened and yet good has resulted from it?
It is only with hindsight that we realise God is still in control.
Please read verses 10 and 11. What images do you see here?
What is the connection between verses 8,9 and 10?
I have a number of friends who love the first part of verse 10: “Be still and know that I am God!”
God encourages us, even in the midst of life with all its ups and downs, to be still in his presence.
How easy do you find this?
Re-read verse 11
The psalmist gently reminds us that God is still with us.
Before we close, do you have any other thoughts that you’d like to share with each other?
God controls nature and he safeguards his chosen city against attacking foes and stands over all nations at war. He is our sure fortress. In grace and mercy, he makes himself accessible and is “God with us.” We as individuals, and as the Church, experience many troubles in this life on account of the devil, the world, and our own sinful nature. Yet during every crisis of body or soul, God is with us in his Son, so that we may face every upheaval.
Prayer: O Lord, make us to know You as our refuge and strength, our very present help in every trouble. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
About the Author
