Psalms 46:9
He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.
Original Language Analysis
מַשְׁבִּ֥ית
to cease
H7673
מַשְׁבִּ֥ית
to cease
Strong's:
H7673
Word #:
1 of 12
to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)
מִלְחָמוֹת֮
He maketh wars
H4421
מִלְחָמוֹת֮
He maketh wars
Strong's:
H4421
Word #:
2 of 12
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
3 of 12
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
קֶ֣שֶׁת
the bow
H7198
קֶ֣שֶׁת
the bow
Strong's:
H7198
Word #:
6 of 12
a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris
עֲ֝גָל֗וֹת
the chariot
H5699
עֲ֝גָל֗וֹת
the chariot
Strong's:
H5699
Word #:
10 of 12
something revolving, i.e., a wheeled vehicle
Cross References
Isaiah 2:4And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.Isaiah 60:18Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.1 Samuel 2:4The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.Micah 5:10And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD, that I will cut off thy horses out of the midst of thee, and I will destroy thy chariots:Isaiah 11:9They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.Joshua 11:9And Joshua did unto them as the LORD bade him: he houghed their horses, and burnt their chariots with fire.Joshua 11:6And the LORD said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shalt hough their horses, and burn their chariots with fire.Ezekiel 39:3And I will smite thy bow out of thy left hand, and will cause thine arrows to fall out of thy right hand.
Historical Context
Ancient warfare centered on these weapons. Breaking and burning them represents not just military defeat but the end of war itself. This eschatological vision transcends any historical moment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this vision of universal peace inform Christian hope?
- What is our role in anticipating God's peace while living in a violent world?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The comprehensive peace: 'He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.' Every weapon of war is destroyed--bow, spear, chariot. This anticipates Isaiah's vision of swords beaten into plowshares and Christ's ultimate peace.