Psalm 46/Speech Act/Summary
From Psalms: Layer by Layer
| Speaker | Verses | Macro Speech Acts | Addressee | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Israel's community, singing on behalf of their city. | v. 1 For the music director. By the Korahites. As young women. A psalm. | PROFESSION OF CONFIDENCE (vv. 1–4) |
Israel's community | |||||
| v. 2 God is a refuge and stronghold for us. He is readily available, as a help, in great trouble. | God is a refuge and stronghold for his people. He is for them and easily available to them. Supporting statements • God's people will not fear, even if the greatest catastrophes are unleashed. • They will not fear even if chaotic waters rage against them. |
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| v. 3 Therefore, we will not fear though the earth change and the mountains topple into the heart of the deepest sea. | ||||||||
| v. 4 Though its waters foam in rage. Though mountains quake at its surging. Selah. | ||||||||
| v. 5 [There is] a river whose streams gladden the city of God—the holy dwelling of the Most High. | PROFESSION OF CONFIDENCE (vv. 5–7) |
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| v. 6 God is in its midst. It cannot be moved. God helps it at the approach of morning. | God’s city is well protected and is indestructible. Supporting statements • A river provides water for the city. • God comes to help the city at daybreak. |
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| v. 7 [When] nations raged, [and] kingdoms fell down, [then] he thundered with his voice, [then] the earth would melt! | ||||||||
| v. 8 YHWH, [the God] of Hosts, is with us. The God of Jacob is a fortress for us. Selah. | PROFESSION OF CONFIDENCE (v. 8) God is his people's fortress. |
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| God | v. 9 Come! Perceive the works of YHWH who has wrought great devastation in the land. | EXHORTATION (vv. 9–11) |
Israel’s community and the nations. | |||||
| v. 10 The one who terminates wars to the end of the earth breaks the bow and snaps the spear. He burns transport wagons with fire. | The audience is instructed to consider God’s works and acknowledge God’s supremacy. Supporting statements • God terminates all wars and conflicts. • He disarms all hostile forces. • God is exalted above all. |
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| v. 11 Be still and acknowledge that I am God! I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted throughout the earth. | ||||||||
| Israel's community, singing on behalf of their city. | v. 12 YHWH, [the God] of Hosts, is with us. The God of Jacob is a fortress for us. Selah. | PROFESSION OF CONFIDENCE (v. 12) God is his people's fortress. |
Israel's community | |||||