God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns. The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. 8 Come, behold the works of the Lord; see what desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.

Deeper dive into the passage

The primary message of Psalm 46 is that God is a steadfast refuge and strength for His people. Written during a time of turmoil, possibly during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem, the psalm reassures the Israelites of God’s unwavering protection. The imagery of natural disasters and wars highlights the chaos of the world, yet God’s presence brings peace and stability. Today, this can be interpreted as finding solace in faith amidst personal or global crises. For instance, during a natural disaster, communities often find strength in their faith and unity. The psalm emphasises God’s sovereignty over nations and nature. The phrase “Be still, and know that I am God” (verse 10) calls for recognition of God’s ultimate authority. Historically, this was a reminder to the Israelites that despite political upheaval, God was in control. In modern times, this can be seen as a call to trust in divine providence over worldly affairs, such as political instability or economic uncertainty.

The psalm speaks of God ending wars and bringing peace. This reflects a hope for divine intervention to restore harmony. Historically, this was a promise of peace for Jerusalem. Today, it can be seen as a metaphor for personal peace and reconciliation in relationships or communities. For example, in conflict resolution, invoking a higher power can inspire forgiveness and healing. While the psalm’s events are not historical accounts, its themes reflect the historical context of ancient Israel’s struggles. The psalm’s enduring message of divine refuge and peace remains relevant across ages.

Be gracious to me, O God, for people trample on me; all day long foes oppress me; my enemies trample on me all day long, for many fight against me. O Most High, when I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I am not afraid; what can flesh do to me? All day long they seek to injure my cause;  all their thoughts are against me for evil. They stir up strife, they lurk, they watch my steps. As they hoped to have my life, so repay them for their crime; in wrath cast down the peoples, O God! You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your record? Then my enemies will retreat on the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me. In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I am not afraid. What can a mere mortal do to me? My vows to you I must perform, O God; I will render thank offerings to you. For you have delivered my soul from death, and my feet from falling, so that I may walk before God in the light of life.

Deeper dive into the passage

The psalmist is likely expressing a deep trust in God despite overwhelming fear and adversity. This reflects a common theme in the Psalms where personal lament is coupled with a declaration of faith. The psalmist’s audience, possibly Israelites facing oppression, would find solace in this message, reinforcing their faith in God’s protection. The repeated praise of God’s word suggests its importance as a source of comfort and guidance. In a time when oral tradition was vital, the psalmist emphasises the reliability and power of God’s promises. Today, this can be likened to finding solace in spiritual practices or scriptures during challenging times. The psalmist’s plea for God to repay their enemies highlights a belief in divine justice. This reflects the ancient understanding of God as a protector and avenger of wrongs. Modern readers might interpret this as a call to trust in a higher justice rather than seeking personal vengeance.

The psalm was likely written during a period of personal or communal crisis, possibly during King David’s time when he faced numerous enemies. The audience would have been familiar with the struggles of maintaining faith amidst adversity. Today, this passage can be seen as a reminder of the enduring nature of faith and trust in divine providence, applicable to anyone facing personal trials.
While the specific events described may not be historically verifiable, the emotions and themes are consistent with the experiences of many individuals throughout biblical history.

We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks; your name is near. People tell of your wondrous deeds. At the set time that I appoint I will judge with equity. When the earth totters, with all its inhabitants, it is I who keep its pillars steady. I say to the boastful, “Do not boast,” and to the wicked, “Do not lift up your horn; do not lift up your horn on high, or speak with insolent neck.” For not from the east or from the west and not from the wilderness comes lifting up;  but it is God who executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another. For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup with foaming wine, well mixed; he will pour a draught from it, and all the wicked of the earth shall drain it down to the dregs.  But I will rejoice forever; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob. All the horns of the wicked I will cut off, but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.

Deeper dive into the passage

God’s Sovereignty and Justice: The psalmist emphasises that God is the ultimate judge who will execute judgment with fairness. This reflects the belief that God is actively involved in the world, maintaining order and justice. In ancient Israel, this would have reassured the people that despite the chaos around them, God was in control. The imagery of the cup in verse 8 symbolises God’s wrath and judgment. This metaphor was common in ancient Near Eastern texts and would have been understood by the original audience as a powerful symbol of divine retribution. Today, this can be seen as a reminder of the consequences of wickedness and the importance of living a righteous life.
The psalm concludes with a promise that the righteous will be exalted. This reflects the hope and assurance that those who live according to God’s will shall ultimately be rewarded. In a modern context, this can be interpreted as encouragement to uphold justice and integrity, trusting that good will prevail.

This psalm was likely written during a time of political or social upheaval, serving as a reminder of God’s ultimate authority and justice. The audience would have been the Israelites, who were often surrounded by hostile nations and internal strife. The psalm reassures them that God is the true judge who will bring about justice in His time. Today, Psalm 75 can be seen as a call to trust in divine justice amidst the injustices of the world. For example, in situations of social inequality, this psalm encourages believers to have faith that justice will ultimately be served. As a psalm, this text is more poetic and theological than historical. It reflects the beliefs and hopes of the Israelite community rather than a specific historical event.

“In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.’ And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.'”

Deeper dive into the passage

One hypothesis is that this passage highlights the joy and recognition of Jesus’ divine nature even before his birth. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, acknowledges Mary as the mother of her Lord. This suggests an early recognition of Jesus’ significance, which is a theme that resonates throughout the Gospel of Luke. Another perspective is that this passage underscores the important role of women in God’s plan. Both Mary and Elizabeth are portrayed as pivotal figures in the unfolding of salvation history. This can be seen as a message of empowerment and recognition of women’s faith and courage. The passage also emphasises the fulfillment of God’s promises. Elizabeth’s blessing of Mary for her belief in God’s word highlights the theme of faith and fulfillment, which is central to Luke’s Gospel.

The Gospel of Luke was written for a predominantly Gentile audience in the late first century. The author aimed to present Jesus as the universal saviour. In this passage, the writer conveys the theme of joy and divine recognition, which would have been reassuring to early Christians facing persecution. The interaction between Mary and Elizabeth serves as a testament to the fulfillment of God’s promises and the breaking of social norms, as women take centre stage in this divine narrative.
Today, this passage can be seen as a celebration of faith and the power of belief. It encourages us to recognise and celebrate the divine in our everyday lives. A modern example might be the joy and support found in community gatherings, where individuals come together to celebrate shared beliefs and experiences. The account of Mary’s visit to Elizabeth is considered a theological narrative rather than a strict historical account. While it may not be verifiable by historical standards, it conveys deep theological truths about faith, joy, and divine recognition.