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)
This verse isn't just about hypothetical natural disasters, but about the upheaval of nations and established powers. The "mountains" aren't literal peaks, but represent kings and kingdoms, suggesting that even the most seemingly unshakeable political structures could be destroyed or thrown into chaos.
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)
The psalm begins by declaring God as a refuge and strength in times of trouble, setting the stage for absolute trust. Because of this divine protection, the psalmist declares they will not fear even if the entire world experiences catastrophic upheaval. This fearlessness extends even to the most stable elements of creation, like mountains, being violently thrown into the sea, signifying the most extreme possible chaos and destruction in the natural or political order.
When the Psalmist paints a picture of mountains sinking into the sea, is he describing an actual cataclysm? Or is he using extreme imagery to make a powerful point?
The verse uses dramatic, almost unimaginable scenarios – the earth giving way, mountains plunging into the sea – to symbolize the most profound forms of upheaval. These aren't necessarily literal earthquakes or tsunamis, but rather metaphors for political revolutions, the collapse of nations, and the complete overturning of established order.
Think of it like this: When we say 'the world is ending,' we don't usually mean the planet is physically disintegrating. We mean things are going terribly wrong, and our usual sense of security is shattered.
So, when the Psalmist says, 'we will not fear though the earth give way,' he's saying we don't need to fear even when everything we rely on – our governments, our social structures, our sense of stability – seems to be collapsing.
Why does the Psalmist immediately pivot from describing chaos to declaring 'we will not fear'? What’s the crucial link?
The word 'Therefore' at the beginning of verse 2 is the linchpin. It connects directly to the preceding verse (which often introduces Psalm 46): 'God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.'
This isn't just a statement of bravery; it's a declaration of faith-fueled courage. Because God is our ultimate security, our 'refuge,' and our inexhaustible 'strength,' we can face any earthly crisis without succumbing to fear.
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The verse isn't saying that fear is wrong or that we'll never feel fear. Instead, it asserts that true believers, grounded in God, will not be overwhelmed by fear. Their confidence rests not on the stability of the world, but on the unchanging character and power of God.
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 imagery of the earth shaking and mountains falling into the sea powerfully conveyed the sheer terror of political and military upheavals, like Sennacherib's invasion, to the psalm's original audience. It underscores that even in the face of total collapse, God's people are called to unwavering trust in Him as their ultimate refuge.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
King Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah, conquering many cities and besieking Jerusalem. This event caused widespread fear and upheaval throughout the region.
Late 8th century BC
Assyrian Empire's Peak Power
The Assyrian Empire was a dominant military force in the ancient Near East, known for its brutal conquests and devastating campaigns.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians defeat the Egyptians and Assyrians, marking the beginning of the Babylonian exile for many Judeans.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction
The Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling most of the remaining population. This was a catastrophic event for the Judean people.
This passage describes the Assyrian king's pride and ambition, presenting him as a tool of God's judgment against other nations, akin to the 'mountains' being moved in Psalm 46, illustrating how earthly powers can be destabilized.
Jeremiah 51:25This verse prophesies the destruction of Babylon, using imagery of mountains being thrown into the sea, paralleling the extreme upheaval described in Psalm 46 and highlighting God's ultimate power over seemingly unshakeable nations.
Matthew 8:23-27Jesus calms a violent storm, demonstrating His authority over the natural world. This echoes Psalm 46's theme that even terrifying natural disturbances are under God's control, bringing peace to His followers.
Revelation 6:12-17This passage describes cataclysmic events like earthquakes and mountains falling during the seals' opening, mirroring the immense instability in Psalm 46 and showing how God's people can find refuge amidst world-shattering judgments.
Romans 8:38-39Paul declares that nothing can separate believers from God's love, not even cosmic powers or earthly chaos. This powerfully reinforces the Psalmist's declaration of fearless trust, even when the very foundations of the world seem to crumble.
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.
This verse isn't just about hypothetical natural disasters, but about the upheaval of nations and established powers. The "mountains" aren't literal peaks, but represent kings and kingdoms, suggesting that even the most seemingly unshakeable political structures could be destroyed or thrown into chaos.
The psalm begins by declaring God as a refuge and strength in times of trouble, setting the stage for absolute trust. Because of this divine protection, the psalmist declares they will not fear even if the entire world experiences catastrophic upheaval. This fearlessness extends even to the most stable elements of creation, like mountains, being violently thrown into the sea, signifying the most extreme possible chaos and destruction in the natural or political order.
The psalm begins by declaring God as a refuge and strength in times of trouble, setting the stage for absolute trust. Because of this divine protection, the psalmist declares they will not fear even if the entire world experiences catastrophic upheaval. This fearlessness extends even to the most stable elements of creation, like mountains, being violently thrown into the sea, signifying the most extreme possible chaos and destruction in the natural or political order.
"Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea," — This verse isn't just about hypothetical natural disasters, but about the upheaval of nations and established powers. The "mountains" aren't literal peaks, but represent kings and kingdoms, suggestin…
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Last reviewed October 2026