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[a]God is our refuge and our strength,
    a well-proved help in times of trouble.[b]
Therefore, we will not be afraid, though the earth be shaken
    and the mountains tumble into the depths of the sea,
though its waters rage and seethe
    and the mountains tremble at the upheaval.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.[c] Selah

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Footnotes

  1. Psalm 46:2 The divine presence in the temple guarantees the security of the holy city even though creation itself may seem to be falling apart (see Ps 104:6-9; Gen 1:9f).
  2. Psalm 46:2 Help in times of trouble: when people are in trouble, they feel the need of God’s special protection (see Pss 22:20; 27:9; 40:14; 44:27; 63:8). They experience his presence especially when they go through a time of distress (see Ps 23:4). He is then very close to them (see Deut 4:7).
  3. Psalm 46:4 The Lord of hosts is with us; / the God of Jacob is our fortress: this comforting refrain occurs three times in the psalm—here and in vv. 8, 12 (although the Hebrew lacks it in v. 4). The first part (The Lord . . . is with us) is similar in structure and meaning to the name of the royal child in Isaiah: “Immanuel”—“God is with us” (Isa 7:14; 8:8, 10). The Lord of hosts: see note on Ps 24:10.

Therefore we will not fear,(A) though the earth give way(B)
    and the mountains fall(C) into the heart of the sea,(D)
though its waters roar(E) and foam(F)
    and the mountains quake(G) with their surging.[a]

There is a river(H) whose streams(I) make glad the city of God,(J)
    the holy place where the Most High(K) dwells.(L)

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Footnotes

  1. Psalm 46:3 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verses 7 and 11.