05/01/2019 BE STILL
Psalms 46: Be still, and know that I am GOD.
Summary
The psalms are a collection of lyrical poems or sacred songs in praise of GOD. Usually, when people think of Biblical musicians or songs they immediately think of the various books of psalms. David frequently comes to mind as a musician and psalm writer. However, David was not the first musician nor he is the writer of all the psalms or songs in the Bible.
According to Genesis 4:21 the first musician was Jubal. The Living Bible refers to Jubal as the “inventor of the harp and flute.” The King James translation calls Jubal the “father of all such as handle the harp and organ.” The reference to “organ” probably refers to “pipe or wind instruments,” and certainly should not be confused with the modern day electrical organs in many churches today.
And there are other references to musicians and singers before David. Exodus 15 records the song that Moses and the Israelites sang to the Lord and the song of that Miriam, Moses and Aaron’s sister, sang with timbrels (or tambourine) in her hand and danced with the women to the LORD. In Judges 11, we are told that Jephthah’s daughter came out to meet him, after his great victory against the Ammonites with timbrels and dances.
Psalms 46 is one of the great psalms of GOD’s people. According to Wikipedia, Psalms 46 is often recited as part of Jewish, Catholic, Anglican and Protestant liturgical services. Many worshippers may not remember the psalm number, but many recall hearing “GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” many, many, many times throughout their worship years. According to Wikipedia, parts of Psalm 46 is used or referenced in several Jewish prayers. In the Catholic church Psalms 46 is often included or recited as part of the matins or “morning prayers” or “early cockcrow prayer,” originally celebrated by monastic monks, in the first two hours after midnight. In many Protestant churches, including Baptist, Church of GOD, First A&M, Methodist and other church denominations, it would not be uncommon to hear a preacher mount a pulpit speaking these words, or hear a deacon or church “prayer warrior” include these words in a prayer or testimony in praise of the GOODNESS of GOD.
It is said that Martin Luther used Psalm 46 verse 1 as inspiration for his famous hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” And, shortly after observing a moment of silence, President Obama on the 10th anniversary of the World Trade Center 9/11 attack read the famous words: “GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” See, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/psalm-46-obamas-911-speech_n_958954. However, not much is said about Psalms 46:10, “Be still…”
Some believe that Psalms 46:10 is a message to the enemies of GOD. They point to the next verse which states: “I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. They believe that this verse is a warning to heathen nations or the enemies of GOD that they should “put down their arms” “cease fighting” and just “stop” because, they can’t win against GOD, so it is useless to fight GOD’s people. The verse is a warning to the heathens to “Be Still” or be crushed!