Psalms 46:4
There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
Original Language Analysis
נָהָ֗ר
There is a river
H5104
נָהָ֗ר
There is a river
Strong's:
H5104
Word #:
1 of 8
a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity
פְּלָגָ֗יו
the streams
H6388
פְּלָגָ֗יו
the streams
Strong's:
H6388
Word #:
2 of 8
a rill (i.e., small channel of water, as in irrigation)
יְשַׂמְּח֥וּ
whereof shall make glad
H8055
יְשַׂמְּח֥וּ
whereof shall make glad
Strong's:
H8055
Word #:
3 of 8
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
עִיר
the city
H5892
עִיר
the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
4 of 8
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
of God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
5 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
קְ֝דֹ֗שׁ
the holy
H6918
קְ֝דֹ֗שׁ
the holy
Strong's:
H6918
Word #:
6 of 8
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
Cross References
Psalms 87:3Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah.Psalms 48:8As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God: God will establish it for ever. Selah.Psalms 23:2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.Isaiah 60:14The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.Isaiah 48:18O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:Psalms 65:9Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, which is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it.Psalms 91:1He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.Psalms 48:1Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.2 Chronicles 6:6But I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there; and have chosen David to be over my people Israel.Revelation 21:10And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
Historical Context
Jerusalem's water source, the Gihon spring, was modest compared to rivers like the Nile or Euphrates. This verse creates theological contrast: other cities depend on natural rivers, but God's city is sustained by His presence.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the 'river' that makes glad God's people today?
- How does God's presence provide what natural resources cannot?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Contrast to the threatening floods: 'There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God.' Jerusalem had no river--this is theological geography describing God's life-giving presence. The 'streams' (peleg) suggest channels of blessing flowing from divine presence, making glad the 'holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.'