"Be Still and Know" In Context

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Psalm 46:10 and 11 say, Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

There’s enough in these two verses to fill up a blog post. They speak of taking time to worship and getting to know God. They speak about being aware of God’s greatness. I like the promise that God will be exalted among the heathen and in the earth. The last promise is precious as well: God is with us and is our refuge. Terrific stuff here!

It was pointed out to me by a fellow missionary how these verses come on the heels of a situation we might not expect. Do you know how the rest of Psalm 46 goes?

Psalm 46’s title, “To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth” tells us that it was written as a song to be sung by a choir. (We could do a whole study on the sons of Korah, as well.)

Now comes the message. I think it reads like today’s newspaper. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

The mood changes. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.

We go back to today’s newspaper. The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.

Then, a beautiful promise: The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

An invitation with promises of peace and refuge: Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth. He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire. Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

Be still and know that I am God.

The LORD of hosts is with us; 
the God of Jacob is our refuge.

Be still and know.