We've Interpreted "Be Still And Know that I am God" Wrongly
A Bible Study on Psalm 46:10
We have received a great response from you all to our series that attempts to show how we have misinterpreted some of the most well-known verses. So, let us do the same in this edition as well. Today’s verse is Psalm 46:10.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10
How is the Verse Interpreted?
Psalm 46:10 is a verse that has gained significant recognition. It is common to see this verse shared on social media platforms like Facebook, and Instagram, and even forwarded as an image on WhatsApp. Its widespread appeal is such that you may have encountered it in a promise card. Interestingly, a beautiful Christian song in English echoes the theme of maintaining calm during difficult times (Still by Hillsong). This song draws inspiration from the very essence of this verse.
Typically, when viewed in isolation, this verse is seen as a gentle nudge to be quiet in God’s presence. It is often quoted by pastors and preachers in discussions about anxiety. The verse is interpreted as a directive to refrain from worry, serving as an encouragement to strengthen one’s faith in God. Even though this specific verse does not convey that message, the principle is echoed in other parts of the Bible, such as Philippians 4:6-7 and Isaiah 43:1.
Recently, this verse has been incorporated into Christian meditation practices. It is used as a form of prayer to calm the mind and concentrate on hearing God’s voice. You will find numerous online suggestions to find a serene spot, close your eyes, and take deep breaths. After a few breaths, you are advised to recite the verse. However, this practice can be risky as it encourages one to empty their mind, which contradicts biblical teachings. Hence, it is crucial to understand the context and true meaning of the verse.
What is the Context of this Verse?
The first step in interpreting scripture is to understand the context in which it was written. Let us consider the historical backdrop of this psalm. The consensus among most commentators is that this psalm was penned during a military assault on Jerusalem. The severity of the attack posed a threat to the nation’s very survival. For the city’s inhabitants, it felt as if their entire world was on the brink of collapse. There have been numerous such attacks on Israel in the Old Testament. However, it is probable that this psalm was composed in response to an attack by Assyrian king Sennacherib in 701 B.C. This theory is supported by the fact that the language used in this psalm aligns well with that historical event, particularly some of the phrases that Isaiah used when describing the Assyrian invasion. This provides the historical context of the psalm.
Now, the verse we are examining is the 10th verse, where the Lord Himself speaks. The initial 9 verses are the psalmist’s reflections on God’s immense power. Let us read them. “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, The holy dwelling places of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered; He raised His voice, the earth melted. The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah. Come, behold the works of the LORD, Who has wrought desolations in the earth. He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariots with fire.”
From the interpretation of the initial 9 verses, it is evident that when God speaks in verse 10, His words are directed towards the nations in conflict. He is not addressing the nation of Israel or the believers, but rather, He is speaking to the nations that are attempting to wage war against Israel.
What is the Meaning of this Verse?
So, what does the verse mean? The term "Be still" translates to the Hebrew word 'raphah', which means to abate, cease, forsake, or let alone. God is instructing them to halt their aggression against Israel, as He stands with them, ensuring they would not fall. This command serves as a caution to the chaotic world to desist from their actions. People worldwide are urged to cease their upheaval and acknowledge God's sovereignty, understanding that only His authority and words hold significance. There was ample evidence for the world to understand (through experience) that Yahweh is the one true God. If people fail to recognize this in the present, they would eventually have to admit that He is the Lord who will judge the world in the future.
The latter part of verse 10 reveals the underlying rationale for God’s ultimate intervention to cease wars and establish peace: “I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." This repetition emphasizes that the Lord God will manifest His majestic sovereignty over the entire earth. The phrase here signifies more than just God’s exaltation in the heavens. It implies that His absolute sovereignty will be recognized and embraced by all nations. God, being the creator of the earth and everything within it, will not allow His creation to persist in wars or even war rumors. Ultimately, at a designated time, the Lord will victoriously put an end to it all.
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How do we Apply this Verse in our Lives?
It is evident from the context that this verse is not aimed at believers or the nation of Israel. Instead, it is directed toward various nations that are not recognizing God’s sovereignty. So, how should a believer apply this verse in his/her life? There are two potential applications to consider here.
Firstly, it enlightens us about the sovereignty of our God. It imparts knowledge about God’s nature. He is omnipotent and omnipresent. He holds dominion over the universe and the course of human history. When forces of evil attempt to combat us and pull us down through temptation, we must bear in mind that we have this Sovereign God as our protector. We must rely entirely on Him to wage our spiritual battles. Our God is the God who consistently triumphs over evil.
Secondly, it rekindles our optimism for what lies ahead. The current state of the world is not permanent. The fall has resulted in nations engaging in conflict with each other. Strife and injustice are prevalent everywhere we turn. At times, even our judicial system fails to provide justice to the underprivileged as the affluent have the power to influence the verdict in their favor. However, all these will change in the future. The Lord will be revered above all nations. The Lord will be esteemed throughout the world. The repercussions of sin will be undone when our Lord assumes reign over this earth. There will be no more wars, no more injustice, and no more troubles. Peace will prevail because the Lord of peace will govern this earth.
May God bless us all!
So much insight.
Thank you for breaking this down for proper understanding.