Psalm 46/Notes/Lexical.v. 2.883704

Rendered here as a stronghold, the word עז usually signifies material or physical “strength” or “might”. Notably, it is also used to describe architectural structures (Jdg 9:51) or urban spaces (e.g., Isa 26:1; Prov 18:19; Prov 10:15, 18:11). Of particular interest here are Amos 3:11 and Prov 21:22, where עז represents a "stronghold". Given that Psalm 46 reads as an anti-urbicide text (i.e., a text where the destruction of a city is attempted but prevented),^[1] the meaning "stronghold" for עז in v. 2 is preferred (cf. vv. 8 and 12, wherein God is "a fortress"). With such support and protection, God's city and its residents are safe and secure.^[2]

↑ See above and The Raging Waters in Psalm46:2-4
↑ As a reference to God, i.e., as one of his attributes or titles, עז appears in Hab 3:4; Job 12:16; Pss 62:12; 63:3; 68:35; 93:1; 96:6 [=1 Chr 16:27]; Ps 99:4. In several texts, God is said to be his people’s strength, which in turn is paired up with “salvation/deliverance” (e.g., Isa 49:5; Ps 81:2; 84:6; Exod 15:2; Isa 12:2; Ps 118:14; Isa 45:24; Ps 140:8; BDB; HALOT; CDH).

[1] See above and The Raging Waters in Psalm46:2-4

[2] As a reference to God, i.e., as one of his attributes or titles, עז appears in Hab 3:4; Job 12:16; Pss 62:12; 63:3; 68:35; 93:1; 96:6 [=1 Chr 16:27]; Ps 99:4. In several texts, God is said to be his people’s strength, which in turn is paired up with “salvation/deliverance” (e.g., Isa 49:5; Ps 81:2; 84:6; Exod 15:2; Isa 12:2; Ps 118:14; Isa 45:24; Ps 140:8; BDB; HALOT; CDH).

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