Psalm 46/Notes/Lexical.v. 2.812525

The word help (עזרה) in v. 2b is theologically significant, as it often represents a divine title, i.e., "a help/helper", "the one who provides assistance or support to his people" (SDBH). In Psalms, in reference to God, "help" can appear alongside martial terms such as "shield" (e.g., Ps 33:20; 115:9-11). Given the military crisis in Psalm 46, it is of interest that in HB, nations, as political allies, can either offer or withhold help (cf. Isa 30:5; Ezek 12:14). By contrast, in Psalm 46, amidst a major armed conflict (vv. 6-7, 9-11), God is said to be made available to his people as "help"; and along with other descriptors of God (a "refuge", "stronghold" [v. 2], and a "fortress" [vv. 8 and 12]), "help" is made emphatic through the feature of chiasmus).