(8) Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth. (9) He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.

Psalm 46:8-9

Explanation

The city of Jerusalem is singing this psalm together. What would be the collective fear of the city? For sure on the list are the raging heathen kingdoms that have military might. The city would be threatened by the Assyrians, the Babylonians, and a growing list of nations surrounding them. Many of these nations would have been known for their military might and prowess. 

It is with this in mind that the third stanza begins. The psalmist invites the listener to come see the works of God which he describes as the desolations he has made. Specifically this would be the enemies of God defeated on the battlefield. These are conquered nations. God told Abraham in His Covenant that He would bless them that bless him, and curse them that curse him, and this certainly extended the nation of Israel.

For the city to look out over its walls and see a mass of bowman, and spearmen, and the devastating technology of the horse drawn chariot could have certainly made them quake. But of course, this is why they are singing this song. Sure they had their own armies, and their own technology, but this was not their confidence. Their confidence was in the God that makes desolations of His enemies, that breaks the bow, and cuts the spear, and burns out those chariots. He is there might. He is there refute. He is there very present help in times of trouble.

Application

Like most Americans, I have lived in a nation secure enough for me to not have to deal with substantial threats of physical harm from conquering nations. Yet, that does not mean that we are immune from that kind of threat. We are threatened by the chance for physical violence whenever we step out our door at varying levels. There are certainly people opposed to what we who are named with Christ do and what we stand for in the world. Jesus told us that we would be subject to persecution just like He was. 

There are other kinds of threats to violence as well. People may seek to harm our reputations through false accusation. They may seek to threaten us through massive political, economic, and social change. If you haven’t paused and gazed with concern over the walls at those coming armies, then you’re just not paying attention. 

Yet we serve a God who makes desolations of evil armies. He is a war ending God. Military might, Political influence, social capital…what are these against are God?

Am I on His side? 

Am I trusting in Him?

Is my confidence in my plans, finances, intellect, job (my spear, my bow, my chariot)? Or is my confidence in seeking refuge in the Lord of Hosts?

Response

I worship you today as the fiercely righteous, war ending, chariot burning God of the Universe. You are infinite in wisdom. You are mighty in power. You are holy and loving in perfect harmony. Thank you for inviting me into Your family by Your dear Son. Help me to trust in you when I am worried today. Amen.