Psalm 46 talks about the Messianic time when man will lay down his weapons and there will be no more war. The psalm was written by the sons of Korah who saw their father rebel against Moses Rabbenu. Their despair grew when they saw the gates of hell. Yet they found G-d’s comforting forgiveness and spoke words of transparent prophecy addressed to the hearts of all future generations. When the sons of Korah witnessed human follies, they spoke simple truths. The greatest test for man is not to know these truths, but to integrate them into everyday life.
- Text of Psalm 46
- Hebrew text Psalm 46 – תהילים מו
- Listen to Psalm 46
- Explanation of Psalm 46 by Rabbi Yitzchok Rubin
- Commentary by Rashi on Psalm 46
- Further explanation of the above Jewish comments
- Psalm 1 to 92
Text of Psalm 46
G‑d is for us a safe refuge, a reliable helper in times of need. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be shaken and the mountains be thrown into the depths of the sea. Let the floods swirl and boil, the high waves shake the mountains.
….Come and see what the Eternal has done, it is astonishing what He does on earth: He causes wars throughout the world, He breaks bows, He crushes lances, He burns chariots in the fire. Cease the struggle, and acknowledge that I am God, exalted above the people, exalted above the earth. The Eternal Tsevaot is with us, our fortress is G-d of Jacob.
Hebrew text Psalm 46 – תהילים מו
A for the victory of Lebnei-Korah over the maidens of a song. In God we have shelter and strength, help in trouble is found very much. 3 Therefore, I will not be afraid of the earth and the mountains in the midst of the seas. D Yahmu will overflow from his waters and the mountains will roar with his rising tide. The river Pelagius will rejoice, the holy city of God, dwelling above. And God is close to her without collapse, God will help her to turn in the morning. 7 The Gentiles have fallen from kingdoms, he has given his voice to the glory of the land. 8 The Lord of hosts is with us from above, the God of Jacob is our God. 9 Thus they foretold the works of Yahweh, which there are names in the land. A truce of wars to the end of the earth will be broken and the tip of a chariot spear will be burned with fire. Oh, let go and know that the throne of God is raised among the nations and raised in the land. 12 Yahweh of hosts is with us from above, the God of Jacob Selah.
Listen to Psalm 46
Listen to Psalm 46 in Hebrew.
Explanation of Psalm 46 by Rabbi Yitzchok Rubin
G‑d is our refuge where our souls find safety and comfort. G-d is our partner in the countless problems we face in our lives. This truth is eternal and allows us not to be afraid or discouraged. By accepting that G-d is our refuge, we naturally become strong to get through the difficulties. Even when we are being attacked from all sides around us, we must realize that G-d is open to us. G-d is with us in our sorrows. The sorrows that G-d brings us are a great test of spirit