Psalms 46:2
Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse depicts the earth literally breaking apart, with mountains plunging into the sea, not just as a metaphor for political upheaval, but as the absolute worst-case scenario imaginable, highlighting the depth of faith needed to stand firm even then. This extreme imagery shows that true trust isn't just about weathering storms, but about remaining secure when the very foundations of reality seem to crumble.
The psalmist begins by declaring that God is their refuge and strength, a present help in times of trouble. This leads directly into the assertion that even if the entire world were to crumble—earthquakes, mountains plunging into the sea—they would still not fear, trusting in God's ultimate power and protection over all earthly chaos. The imagery highlights the utter devastation of creation to emphasize the absolute security found in God, regardless of the political or natural upheavals that may occur.
Imagine the ground beneath you vanishing, mountains crumbling into the ocean. The psalmist uses intense imagery here. What kind of crisis could prompt such language, and why does it lead to defiance instead of despair?
The psalmist paints a picture of utter chaos: the earth itself is changing, and mountains, the most solid things we know, are being hurled into the sea. This isn't just a small tremor; it's a cosmic upheaval.
Metaphors for the Unthinkable
This language is hyperbolic, designed to describe the most extreme scenarios. Commentators suggest it could represent:
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The Core Message:
Despite these unimaginable catastrophes, the psalmist declares, "Therefore we will not fear." This isn't a statement of foolish bravado, but a profound declaration of trust rooted in God's unchanging nature.
In the face of utter devastation, the psalmist says 'we will not fear.' This isn't about suppressing emotion, but about a deep-seated confidence. What fuels this radical courage?
The declaration "Therefore we will not fear" is a direct result of the preceding verse, which proclaims, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1).
Rooted in God's Presence
This fearlessness isn't born from ignoring the danger, but from an unwavering belief in God's power and presence.
The Choice to Trust
The phrase "we will not fear" implies a conscious decision. It's an act of faith to redirect our gaze from the terrifying circumstances to the steadfast God who is sovereign over them all.
Understand the original words
yare · Hebrew Verb
A psychological and spiritual reaction to perceived danger or threat. The Bible frequently contrasts fear with trust in God, exhorting believers not to succumb to terror because God is with them.
erets · Hebrew Noun
In biblical poetry, this term often refers to the creation order. When it "gives way," it signifies a total collapse of the established, stable order, often used metaphorically for societal or personal upheaval.
har · Hebrew Noun
Large, immovable features of the landscape that represent permanence and stability. To be moved into the sea signifies a reversal of the natural, divinely established order.
The psalm's powerful imagery of earth-shattering upheaval likely resonated deeply with an audience facing the very real existential threats of military invasions and the potential collapse of their nation, as experienced during the Assyrian and Babylonian periods.
Late 8th century BC
Assyrian Invasions of Judah
The Assyrian Empire, under kings like Tiglath-Pileser III and Sargon II, conducted extensive military campaigns that threatened and conquered many nations in the Near East, including parts of the northern kingdom of Israel and Judah.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah
King Sennacherib of Assyria invaded Judah, capturing many fortified cities and besieging Jerusalem itself. This event caused widespread fear and upheaval throughout the land.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
The Babylonian Empire, under Nebuchadnezzar II, began deporting Jewish elites and skilled laborers to Babylon, initiating a period of exile and national distress.
587/586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar's forces destroyed Jerusalem and its temple, with a further significant portion of the population exiled to Babylon, marking a profound national catastrophe.
This passage describes the Assyrian king's destructive conquest, mirroring the 'mountains carried into the sea' imagery as a metaphor for overwhelming and world-altering destruction caused by human empires.
Jeremiah 51:25Here, God declares judgment upon Babylon, calling it a 'destroying mountain,' which connects to the imagery of mountains being overturned or destroyed, illustrating God's power over even the most seemingly stable earthly powers.
Luke 21:25-26Jesus uses similar cosmic imagery of distress and upheaval—'the sea and the waves roaring,' and 'people fainting with fear'—to describe the end times, highlighting that even in world-shattering events, God's people can look for redemption.
Romans 8:38-39Paul assures believers that nothing, not even the most extreme cosmic or earthly powers, can separate them from God's love, echoing the psalmist's declaration of fearlessness amidst absolute chaos because of God's protective presence.
pulpitPsalms 46:2: "Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;"
Verse 2. - Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed; or, though the earth change - a somewhat vague expression, probably to be understood of political changes and revolutions (see ver. 6). And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; rather, and though the mountains be hurled into the heart of the seas. A metaphor for still more…
clarkePsalms 46:2: "Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;"
Therefore will not we fear - Let what commotions will take place in the earth, we will trust in the all-powerful arm of God. Probably the earthquake referred to, here means political commotions, such as those mentioned under the title; and by mountains, kings or secular states may be intended.
The verse depicts the earth literally breaking apart, with mountains plunging into the sea, not just as a metaphor for political upheaval, but as the absolute worst-case scenario imaginable, highlighting the depth of faith needed to stand firm even then. This extreme imagery shows that true trust isn't just about weathering storms, but about remaining secure when the very foundations of reality seem to crumble.
The psalmist begins by declaring that God is their refuge and strength, a present help in times of trouble. This leads directly into the assertion that even if the entire world were to crumble—earthquakes, mountains plunging into the sea—they would still not fear, trusting in God's ultimate power and protection over all earthly chaos. The imagery highlights the utter devastation of creation to emphasize the absolute security found in God, regardless of the political or natural upheavals that may occur.
The psalmist begins by declaring that God is their refuge and strength, a present help in times of trouble. This leads directly into the assertion that even if the entire world were to crumble—earthquakes, mountains plunging into the sea—they would still not fear, trusting in God's ultimate power and protection over all earthly chaos. The imagery highlights the utter devastation of creation to emphasize the absolute security found in God, regardless of the political or natural upheavals that may occur.
"Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea," — The verse depicts the earth literally breaking apart, with mountains plunging into the sea, not just as a metaphor for political upheaval, but as the absolute worst-case scenario imaginable, highli…
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