Psalms 46:8

KJV

Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Come {H3212}{H8798)}, behold {H2372}{H8798)} the works {H4659} of the LORD {H3068}, what desolations {H8047} he hath made {H7760}{H8804)} in the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Come and see the works of ADONAI, the astounding deeds he has done on the earth.

Berean Standard Bible

Come, see the works of the LORD, who brings devastation upon the earth.

American Standard Version

Come, behold the works of Jehovah, What desolations he hath made in the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 46:8 extends a profound invitation to humanity to observe the majestic and often awe-inspiring interventions of the LORD in the world. It specifically draws attention to the "desolations" He has wrought upon the earth, not as arbitrary acts of destruction, but as deliberate expressions of His supreme power, sovereignty, and righteous judgment. This verse serves as a stark reminder that even amidst chaos and upheaval, God remains actively involved, orchestrating events to fulfill His ultimate purposes, which often involve clearing the way for His perfect peace and reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 46:8 is situated within a powerful hymn of trust and confidence in God, often referred to as a "song of Zion" due to its focus on God's presence in Jerusalem. The psalm opens with declarations of God as "our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" in [Psalms 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalms 46:1 - God Our Refuge"). The preceding verses vividly describe cosmic and geopolitical turmoil—the earth shaking, mountains falling into the sea, waters roaring, and nations raging ([Psalms 46:2-3](/psalms/46-2 "Psalms 46:2-3 - Earth's Upheaval") and [Psalms 46:6](/psalms/46-6 "Psalms 46:6 - Nations Rage")). Against this backdrop of apparent chaos, verse 8 serves as a pivotal call to witness God's decisive and transformative action. The "desolations" are presented not as random calamities but as intentional divine works that precede the cessation of wars and the establishment of God's universal peace, as depicted in [Psalms 46:9](/psalms/46-9 "Psalms 46:9 - God Makes Wars Cease") and the call to "be still, and know that I am God" in [Psalms 46:10](/psalms/46-10 "Psalms 46:10 - Be Still and Know God").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical event inspiring Psalm 46 is not explicitly stated, many scholars link it to a time of national crisis for Judah, likely a siege of Jerusalem where God miraculously delivered His people (e.g., Sennacherib's siege in [2 Kings 19](/2_kings/19 "2 Kings 19 - Sennacherib's Siege of Jerusalem")). In the ancient Near East, nations often attributed military victories and defeats to their gods. Psalm 46, however, elevates Yahweh as the supreme God, whose power transcends all earthly and cosmic forces. The concept of God as a divine warrior who brings judgment upon rebellious nations and establishes His dominion was a significant theological theme. The repeated refrain, "The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge" ([Psalms 46:7](/psalms/46-7 "Psalms 46:7 - The Lord of Hosts is With Us") and [Psalms 46:11](/psalms/46-11 "Psalms 46:11 - The God of Jacob is Our Refuge")), reinforces the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, recalling His historical acts of deliverance and His unwavering presence with His people.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 46:8 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores God's **unquestionable sovereignty** over all creation and human affairs, asserting that even destructive events are part of His purposeful "works." This challenges any notion of a passive or absent deity, affirming God's active involvement in history. Secondly, the mention of "desolations" highlights the theme of **divine judgment and power**, indicating that God's interventions can involve the dismantling of human arrogance, rebellion, or oppressive systems. These acts are not arbitrary but serve to clear obstacles to His righteous will. Thirdly, the imperative "Come, behold" serves as a **call to observation and theological reflection**, urging humanity to recognize God's hand in global events and to learn from His powerful interventions, whether in judgment or deliverance. Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **foundation for future peace**, as these divine "desolations" are often a necessary precursor to God's establishment of true and lasting peace, by removing the forces that oppose His righteous reign, as seen in the subsequent verses of [Psalms 46](/psalms/46 "Psalms 46 - God Our Refuge and Strength").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Come, behold (Hebrew, _lekū ḥăzū_):** This is an urgent, imperative call, an invitation to actively witness and consider. It's not a passive suggestion but a command to engage with God's actions. The verb "behold" (חֲזוּ, _ḥăzū_) often implies a deep, contemplative observation, leading to understanding and awe, rather than a mere glance.
* **works (Hebrew, _mif‘alōt_):** This term refers to God's deeds, achievements, or powerful interventions. It emphasizes His active, purposeful agency in the world, distinguishing Him from idols or passive deities. These are not random occurrences but the intentional, effective operations of the LORD.
* **desolations (Hebrew, _šammōt_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be desolate" or "to lay waste," _šammōt_ conveys the idea of ruin, devastation, or utter destruction. In biblical context, it often refers to the consequences of divine judgment, the removal of obstacles, or the clearing of the ground for new beginnings. It signifies a profound transformation wrought by divine power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Come, behold the works of the LORD":** This opening phrase is a direct, urgent summons to all people. It is an invitation not merely to look, but to truly perceive and understand the powerful and purposeful actions that God has undertaken throughout history and continues to perform. It emphasizes that God is not distant or inactive, but intimately involved in the affairs of the world.
* **"what desolations he hath made in the earth":** This clause specifies the nature of the "works" to be observed. The "desolations" refer to acts of devastation, ruin, or profound change. These are not random calamities but are explicitly attributed to God's sovereign hand. This highlights His power to dismantle, judge, and transform, often by bringing down the proud, the oppressive, or the rebellious, thereby clearing the way for His ultimate purposes of justice and peace.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 46:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The verse begins with a strong **Imperative**, "Come, behold," which functions as a direct command, demanding attention and inviting the reader into a posture of observation and contemplation. This imperative creates a sense of urgency and importance around the subject matter. The phrase "what desolations he hath made in the earth" utilizes vivid **Imagery**, painting a picture of widespread ruin and transformation. This imagery is stark and powerful, evoking a sense of awe and perhaps fear at the extent of God's power. There is also a subtle use of **Anthropomorphism** in "he hath made," attributing human-like agency to God in the act of causing these desolations, emphasizing His deliberate and active involvement. Furthermore, the verse functions as a critical turning point within the psalm, creating a **Juxtaposition** between the raging chaos described earlier (mountains shaking, nations raging) and God's decisive, world-altering actions that lead to the ultimate peace promised in the subsequent verses. This contrast underscores God's ability to bring order out of chaos through His sovereign power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 46:8 profoundly articulates God's active sovereignty, not just in creation and sustenance, but also in judgment and the dismantling of human systems that oppose His will. The "desolations" are a testament to God's ultimate authority over all earthly powers and natural forces. This verse challenges a purely human-centric view of history, asserting that God is the primary agent behind significant global shifts, often using seemingly destructive events to achieve His righteous ends. These divine interventions are purposeful, serving to humble the proud, bring justice to the oppressed, and clear the way for the establishment of His kingdom. It reminds us that God's power is not merely benevolent but also just and capable of bringing about radical transformation, even through means that appear harsh, ultimately paving the way for His perfect peace.

* [Isaiah 2:4](/isaiah/2-4 "Isaiah 2:4 - God Makes Wars Cease") - Foreshadows a time when God will make wars cease, a direct outcome of His sovereign intervention and judgment, echoing the theme of peace following desolation.
* [Jeremiah 18:7-10](/jeremiah/18-7 "Jeremiah 18:7-10 - God's Sovereignty Over Nations") - Illustrates God's sovereign right to "pluck up, pull down, and destroy" nations, or to "build and plant" them, depending on their response to Him, demonstrating His control over their destiny.
* [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ as Divine Warrior") - Depicts Christ's return as a divine warrior to execute righteous judgment on the earth, bringing ultimate "desolation" to evil and establishing His eternal reign, fulfilling the ultimate purpose of divine judgment.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world frequently marked by conflict, natural disasters, and societal upheaval, Psalms 46:8 offers a crucial theological anchor. It invites believers to cultivate a perspective that recognizes God's active hand even in the most challenging and seemingly destructive events. Rather than viewing such occurrences as random or purely human-driven, this verse calls us to "behold" them as part of God's larger, sovereign plan. This understanding can foster profound trust, reminding us that God is not absent or powerless, but rather orchestrating all things, even "desolations," to achieve His ultimate purposes of justice, redemption, and the establishment of His kingdom. It encourages us to find stillness and confidence in His control ([Psalms 46:10](/psalms/46-10 "Psalms 46:10 - Be Still and Know God")), knowing that His powerful interventions, though sometimes severe, are always aimed at bringing about His righteous will and ultimate peace. This perspective should inspire awe and reverence for God's power and holiness, motivating us to align our lives with His purposes, even when His ways are beyond our full comprehension.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does acknowledging God's sovereignty over "desolations" impact your trust in Him during times of personal or global crisis?**
* **In what ways might God use difficult or destructive circumstances to bring about His ultimate purposes of peace and righteousness in the world or in your own life?**
* **What does it mean to "behold the works of the LORD" in our contemporary world, and how can we cultivate a perspective that sees His hand in all things, even those that are challenging?**

### FAQ
**Does "desolations" imply God is destructive or evil?**

Answer: No, "desolations" does not imply God is destructive or evil in a malevolent sense. Instead, it refers to His sovereign power to bring about judgment, dismantle oppressive systems, or clear the way for His righteous purposes. In the context of Psalm 46, these "desolations" are a necessary precursor to God making wars cease and establishing His peace ([Psalms 46:9](/psalms/46-9 "Psalms 46:9 - God Makes Wars Cease")). God's actions, even those that involve destruction, are always just, purposeful, and ultimately aimed at redemption and the establishment of His holy kingdom, as seen throughout the biblical narrative.

**How does this verse relate to natural disasters today?**

Answer: While Psalm 46:8 specifically refers to God's direct and intentional "desolations" often in the context of divine judgment against nations or human rebellion, it broadly affirms God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly events, including natural phenomena. The Bible teaches that we live in a fallen world where creation groans under the weight of sin ([Romans 8:22](/romans/8-22 "Romans 8:22 - Creation Groans")). While not every natural disaster is a direct, specific "desolation" from God in the same way as described in this psalm, the verse reminds us that God is never outside of, or surprised by, such events. He remains sovereign over all things, and can use even these circumstances to call humanity to repentance, to demonstrate His power, or to further His redemptive plans, as He did in the flood narrative ([Genesis 6-9](/genesis/6 "Genesis 6-9 - Noah and the Flood")).

**Is this verse only about judgment, or is there hope?**

Answer: While Psalms 46:8 explicitly highlights God's power to bring "desolations," it is not solely about judgment; it is deeply intertwined with hope. In the immediate literary context, these "desolations" are the means by which God brings about an end to war and establishes universal peace ([Psalms 46:9](/psalms/46-9 "Psalms 46:9 - God Makes Wars Cease")). The psalm concludes with the reassuring declaration that "The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge" ([Psalms 46:11](/psalms/46-11 "Psalms 46:11 - The God of Jacob is Our Refuge")). Therefore, the "desolations" are seen as a necessary, powerful act of God to clear the way for His ultimate reign of righteousness and peace, offering profound hope to those who trust in Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 46:8, with its call to "behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. While the Old Testament "desolations" often involved physical destruction and judgment upon nations, Christ's first coming initiated a spiritual "desolation" of the kingdom of darkness. He came not to condemn the world, but to save it ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - Christ's Saving Purpose")), yet His very presence exposed sin and brought about the desolation of Satan's power. On the cross, Jesus disarmed the rulers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), a decisive "desolation" of the spiritual forces of evil. Furthermore, the "desolations" of God foreshadow Christ's second coming, where He will return as the divine warrior, the "King of kings and Lord of lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")), to execute righteous judgment upon all unrighteousness, bringing ultimate and final "desolation" to all evil and rebellion. This final act of divine judgment will perfectly clear the way for the establishment of His eternal kingdom of peace, where He will wipe away every tear and make all things new ([Revelation 21:4-5](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4-5 - New Heaven and New Earth")). Thus, the "desolations" of the LORD, both spiritual and eschatological, are ultimately for the purpose of establishing the perfect and everlasting reign of Christ.

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.

Cross-References

Psalms 66:5

Come and see the works of God: [he is] terrible [in his] doing toward the children of men.

Isaiah 24:1

¶ Behold, the LORD maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof.

Isaiah 61:4

¶ And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.

Isaiah 34:2

For the indignation of the LORD [is] upon all nations, and [his] fury upon all their armies: he hath utterly destroyed them, he hath delivered them to the slaughter.

Isaiah 34:17

And he hath cast the lot for them, and his hand hath divided it unto them by line: they shall possess it for ever, from generation to generation shall they dwell therein.

Psalms 92:4

For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.

Psalms 92:6

A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this.