Psalms 46:10

KJV

Be still, and know that I [am] God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Be still {H7503}{H8685)}, and know {H3045}{H8798)} that I am God {H430}: I will be exalted {H7311}{H8799)} among the heathen {H1471}, I will be exalted {H7311}{H8799)} in the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Desist, and learn that I am God, supreme over the nations, supreme over the earth."

Berean Standard Bible

“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth.”

American Standard Version

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 46:10 is a profound divine command issued amidst global upheaval, calling all humanity, and particularly the believer, to cease their striving and anxieties, and instead recognize the absolute sovereignty, power, and presence of God. It declares God's unwavering purpose to be universally acknowledged and glorified across all nations and throughout the entire earth, regardless of present chaos.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 46 is a "Song of the Sons of Korah," a powerful hymn of confidence and trust in God as an unshakeable refuge and strength, even when the world seems to be collapsing around them. The psalm opens by declaring God as "our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength"). The preceding verses vividly describe cosmic and national turmoil: "Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof" [Psalm 46:2-3](/psalms/46-2 "Psalm 46:2-3 - Though the Earth Give Way"). The psalm then shifts to God's intervention, silencing the nations and breaking weapons of war [Psalm 46:8-9](/psalms/46-8 "Psalm 46:8-9 - God's Desolations on Earth"). Within this context of divine intervention and ultimate victory, verse 10 stands as God's direct, authoritative declaration, a divine imperative to humanity to respond to His supreme power.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical occasion for Psalm 46 is not explicitly stated, it resonates deeply with periods of national distress and divine deliverance in ancient Israel. Many scholars connect its themes to events like Sennacherib's siege of Jerusalem during King Hezekiah's reign (2 Kings 18-19), where God miraculously intervened to save His people. In the ancient Near East, nations constantly warred, and their gods were often seen as limited to their specific territories or peoples. Against this backdrop, Psalm 46:10 powerfully asserts the unique, universal sovereignty of Yahweh, the God of Israel, over all nations ("heathen") and the entire earth. It challenges the prevailing polytheistic worldview by declaring one supreme God who will be exalted globally, not just locally.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 46:10 encapsulates several major theological and narrative themes present throughout the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **God's absolute sovereignty and omnipotence** over all creation and human affairs, even amidst the most chaotic circumstances, as echoed in [Psalm 46:6](/psalms/46-6 "Psalm 46:6 - Nations Rage, Kingdoms Totter"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **divine rest and cessation of human striving**, commanding a posture of trust rather than panicked activity. This aligns with the psalm's opening declaration of God as a "refuge" [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge"). Thirdly, it speaks to **God's ultimate and universal exaltation**, a future reality where His glory and dominion will be recognized by all peoples on earth. This eschatological vision of God's global reign is a recurring motif in prophetic literature, such as [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - The Mountain of the Lord's House").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Be still (Hebrew, _rapha'_):** This imperative verb (רָפָה) carries a rich semantic range, meaning "to slacken, let go, cease striving, sink down, relax, abandon, or let alone." It is far more profound than simply being quiet; it is a command to cease agitated human effort, to relinquish control, and to surrender one's anxious striving in the face of overwhelming circumstances. It implies a deliberate cessation of self-reliance and a posture of trust.
* **know (Hebrew, _yada'_):** The Hebrew verb (יָדַע) for "know" signifies an intimate, experiential, and personal knowledge, not merely intellectual assent or head knowledge. It implies a relationship of recognition, acknowledgment, and deep understanding that comes through encounter and experience. To "know that I am God" is to experientially recognize His divine nature, His power, His sovereignty, and His faithfulness, leading to profound trust and reliance.
* **exalted (Hebrew, _rum_):** The verb (רוּם) means "to be high, lifted up, elevated, magnified, or glorified." In this context, it speaks of God's supreme authority and ultimate recognition. It is a declaration of His future universal dominion and the acknowledgment of His rightful place as the sovereign ruler over all nations and the entire earth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be still,"**: This initial command is a divine imperative, instructing humanity to cease their frantic activity, worry, and self-reliant efforts. It's an invitation to quiet the soul, to release the grip of control, and to adopt a posture of spiritual rest and dependence on God amidst chaos.
* **"and know that I [am] God:"**: Following the call to stillness, this clause demands an experiential and intimate recognition of Yahweh's divine identity, ultimate power, and unwavering sovereignty. It implies a deep, personal understanding and acknowledgment of who God is, leading to profound trust and reliance on His character and promises.
* **"I will be exalted among the heathen,"**: God declares His sovereign intent to be recognized, honored, and glorified by all nations, even those who currently do not acknowledge Him or actively oppose Him. This speaks to His universal dominion and the future fulfillment of His redemptive plan for all peoples.
* **"I will be exalted in the earth."**: This final declaration reiterates and expands upon the previous statement, emphasizing the comprehensive and ultimate scope of God's future glory and supreme rule. It signifies that His authority and majesty will be acknowledged and celebrated across the entire globe, over all creation.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 46:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The predominant device is the **Imperative Mood**, seen in "Be still" and "know," which functions as a direct, authoritative command from God, highlighting His supreme authority and the non-negotiable nature of His directive. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism** and a form of **Climactic Parallelism**, in the repeated declaration "I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." This repetition not only reinforces the message but also expands its scope, moving from "among the heathen" (nations) to the all-encompassing "in the earth," emphasizing the universal and ultimate nature of God's future exaltation. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as **Divine Speech** or **Direct Address**, as God Himself speaks these words, lending them immense weight, authority, and intimacy. This direct address stands in powerful **Contrast** to the preceding descriptions of global turmoil, offering a divine perspective and a solution to human anxiety.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 46:10 stands as a powerful theological anchor, asserting God's absolute sovereignty and ultimate triumph over all chaos and opposition. It reveals that human peace and stability are found not in frantic activity or self-reliance, but in a deliberate cessation of striving and an experiential recognition of God's supreme authority. This verse points to an eschatological hope where God's glory will be universally acknowledged, transforming the present reality of conflict into a future of divine exaltation. It is a call to trust in God's unwavering control and His certain victory, which transcends all earthly circumstances.

* [Exodus 14:14](/exodus/14-14 "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still")
* [Isaiah 30:15](/isaiah/30-15 "In quietness and trust shall be your strength")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6 "Do not be anxious about anything")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world characterized by relentless activity, pervasive anxiety, and constant crises—whether personal, national, or global—Psalms 46:10 offers a profound and counter-cultural directive. It challenges our default human tendency to react to trouble with frantic effort, worry, or attempts to control what is beyond our grasp. Instead, it invites us into a spiritual discipline of "being still"—not merely physical quietness, but a deep cessation of inner striving, a release of our anxieties into God's capable hands. This stillness is not passive resignation but an active, faith-filled surrender, leading to an experiential "knowing" of God. When we truly know Him as sovereign, all-powerful, and ultimately victorious, our perspective shifts from fear to faith, from agitation to peace. This verse reminds us that our ultimate peace and security are found not in the absence of trouble, but in the unwavering presence and supreme authority of God, who will ultimately be exalted throughout all the earth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "being still" practically look like in your daily life amidst its demands and anxieties?**
* **How does an experiential "knowing" of God differ from mere intellectual assent, and what steps can you take to cultivate this deeper knowledge?**
* **In what specific areas of your life (e.g., finances, relationships, health, global events) do you need to release control and trust God's sovereignty more fully?**

### FAQ
**Is "Be still" just about being quiet?**

Answer: No, "Be still" (Hebrew: _rapha'_) is far more profound than merely being quiet or silent. It is a command to cease striving, to let go of control, to relax, and to abandon frantic efforts and anxieties. It's a spiritual posture of surrendering human effort and self-reliance in the face of overwhelming circumstances, choosing instead to rest in God's sovereignty and power. It's the opposite of agitation and panicked activity, inviting a deep inner peace rooted in trust.

**What does it mean for God to be "exalted among the heathen"?**

Answer: For God to be "exalted among the heathen" means that His ultimate plan is for His supreme authority, glory, and dominion to be recognized and honored by all nations, including those who currently oppose Him or do not acknowledge Him. It points to a future, universal acknowledgment of His reign and majesty, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess His Lordship. This is an eschatological promise, pointing to the day when God's kingdom will fully come and His will will be done on earth as it is in heaven, as glimpsed in prophetic visions like [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 46:10 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's sovereign presence, who commands the storms of nature and the anxieties of the human heart to "Be still" [Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm"). In Christ, we truly "know that I am God," for He is "God with us" (Immanuel), the visible image of the invisible God, through whom all things were created and in whom all things hold together [Colossians 1:15-17](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15-17 - Christ is the Image of the Invisible God"). Jesus invites all who are weary and heavy-laden to "come to me, and I will give you rest" [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden"), offering the profound stillness and peace that the psalm commands. His death and resurrection are the ultimate demonstration of God's sovereignty and His plan to be exalted. Through the Great Commission, the Gospel is proclaimed to "all nations" [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission"), ensuring that God is indeed "exalted among the heathen." Ultimately, the universal exaltation of God "in the earth" will be realized when "every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus is Lord"). Thus, in Christ, the command to be still finds its deepest peace, and the promise of God's universal exaltation finds its glorious realization.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.