What Does Psalm 46:10 Mean?
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”
QUICK ANSWER
God calls people to “be still” and recognize that He is God. Even the lost world will lift up his name one day. Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
CONTEXT
This psalm is written during a time of instability. The Bible describes these times as there being chaos among nations and the shaking of the earth. The writer portrays God as a refuge in the midst of the chaos. Leading up to this verse, the focus is on conflict, war, and God bringing destruction to the earth. In the middle of the chaos, this statement is given by God. It shifts the attention away from the chaos to His control over situation.
BASIC BREAKDOWN
“Be still, and know that I am God:
This means to stop striving and recognize who God is. It is a call to trust Him and rest in His power.
I will be exalted among the heathen,
God will be honored among all nations, even those who do not yet follow Him.
I will be exalted in the earth.”
No matter what happens, God will be lifted up and glorified throughout the whole earth.
APPLICATION
In a busy and stressful world, take time to be still before God. Trust Him, rest in His control, and remember that He is greater than any situation you face.
RELATED VERSES
Exodus 14:14 - “The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”
Isaiah 26:3 - “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
Psalm 37:7 - “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.”
Mark 4:39 - “And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.”
2 Chronicles 20:17 - “Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.”
