Psalm 46/Notes/Lexical.v. 3.96069

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Another notable verb in this verse, as well as in the Psalm as a whole (vv. 3, 6, 7), is rendered here as topple (מוט). In Hebrew, it signifies a “state in which an object is not firmly fixed to the surface on which it stands so that it can move or slip” (SDBH; cf. BDB, HALOT).[1] In Ps 46:3, it indicates that even though the mountains are symbols of security and stability, they can, so to speak, lose their balance and slide into the sea (on which see further the Imagery table below). By contrast, negated and used in reference to the city of God in v. 6, מוט represents the city's secure position, that is, it will not be compromised by “moving" or "sliding”. It will stand immovable, no matter what.[2] Unlike the city, however, its opponents (the kingdoms in v. 7) are said to be able to “slip” and "fall". Therefore, “[t]he divine protection is here depicted as true stability in a world where powerful foreign nations are fundamentally unstable.”[3]

  1. ↑ Representing human beings, it can appear with or without "foot" or "feet" as subjects (fig. to signify insecurity; Deut 32:35; Ps 38:17; Ps 94:18; Prov 24:11; 25:26). With nature and creation, it often appears in Psalms and prophetic texts (e.g., of hills Isa 54:10; cf. Ps 46:3; of land Ps 60:4; cf. Isa 24:19).
  2. ↑ Craigie 2004: 344.
  3. ↑ Craigie 2004: 345.