Trusting Yahweh (46:8–11)

This final section continues the theme of trust in Yahweh introduced at the beginning of the psalm (46:1) and renewed in the first refrain (46:7). The invitation to “come and see the works of the Lord” introduces a series of affirmingly parallel lines describing militant actions with an edge of violence. These acts have the effect of making “wars cease [šbt]” throughout the earth (46:9) by destroying the necessary implements of war (here symbolized by “bow,” “arrow,” and “shields”). These works of God are reasons for horror to those who want to rule the earth with military might.

Be still, and know that I am God. The voice of the triumphant warrior God breaks into the scene in the first person, challenging foe and faithful alike. God’s demand—“Cease! Desist!” (or perhaps the military counterpart, “Attention!”)—calls all combatants to stop their fighting and pay attention. Only when they stop their struggles can they acknowledge that Yahweh is God (46:10). Yahweh proclaims his exalted status (“I will be exalted”) before all present. His exaltation is to be complete: among the “nations” (goyim) and in the whole “earth” (ʾareṣ).

The Lord Almighty is with us. The psalm concludes with the repetition of the refrain, driving home the primary theme of the psalm: Yahweh is indeed the refuge, strength, and fortress of the faithful, who can remain confident in his protective care—even in the face of a crumbling world (46:2–3) or rampant military attack (46:8–9).