Psalms 46:11
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֣ה
The LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
1 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָא֣וֹת
of hosts
H6635
צְבָא֣וֹת
of hosts
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
2 of 8
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
עִמָּ֑נוּ
H5973
עִמָּ֑נוּ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
3 of 8
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
אֱלֹהֵ֖י
is with us the God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֖י
is with us the God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
6 of 8
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
Cross References
Jeremiah 16:19O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit.Deuteronomy 33:27The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.Psalms 46:7The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.Psalms 48:3God is known in her palaces for a refuge.Psalms 46:1God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Historical Context
Refrains in Hebrew poetry served both liturgical function (congregational response) and theological emphasis. Ending where it began, the psalm frames all its content with the assurance of divine presence.
Questions for Reflection
- Why is this refrain repeated, and what effect does repetition have on the worshiper?
- How does returning to 'the LORD of hosts is with us' summarize the psalm's message?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The psalm concludes by repeating the refrain: 'The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.' Repetition emphasizes centrality. After cosmic chaos (v.2-3), divine presence (v.4-5), raging nations (v.6), and promised peace (v.8-9), the fundamental truth remains: God with us, God our refuge.