Psalms 46:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

He maketh wars {H4421} to cease {H7673}{H8688)} unto the end {H7097} of the earth {H776}; he breaketh {H7665}{H8762)} the bow {H7198}, and cutteth {H7112} the spear {H2595} in sunder {H7112}{H8765)}; he burneth {H8313}{H8799)} the chariot {H5699} in the fire {H784}.

Complete Jewish Bible

To the ends of the earth he makes wars cease he breaks the bow, snaps the spear, burns the shields in the fire.

Berean Standard Bible

He makes wars to cease throughout the earth; He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the shields in the fire.

American Standard Version

He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; He breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; He burneth the chariots in the fire.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 46:9 powerfully proclaims God's ultimate and decisive sovereignty over all forms of human conflict, depicting His active intervention to bring about universal peace. Through striking imagery of the complete dismantling of military armaments—bows, spears, and chariots—the verse vividly illustrates a definitive and irreversible cessation of warfare that extends "unto the end of the earth." It stands as a profound testament to divine power, offering a prophetic vision of a future where God's reign ushers in profound and lasting tranquility, freeing the world from the devastation of human strife.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 46 is a "Song of Zion," a hymn of unwavering trust and confidence in God, frequently associated with national deliverance and the security of Jerusalem. The psalm opens with a resounding declaration that God is an ever-present refuge and strength, a readily available help in times of trouble, even amidst cosmic upheaval and the tumultuous raging of nations, as depicted in [Psalms 46:1-3](/psalms/46-1-3 "Psalm 46:1-3 - God Our Refuge and Strength"). The central section, where verse 9 is situated, shifts from the chaos of human conflict to God's decisive and powerful intervention. Having portrayed God's voice melting the earth and His mere presence causing kingdoms to totter ([Psalms 46:6](/psalms/46-6 "Psalm 46:6 - God's Voice and Presence")), verse 9 presents the tangible and profound outcome of His sovereign power: the comprehensive cessation of all warfare. This dramatic action culminates in the psalm's triumphant affirmation of God's universal reign and the profound call to "Be still, and know that I am God" ([Psalms 46:10](/psalms/46-10 "Psalm 46:10 - Be Still and Know That I Am God")). The psalm thus moves from initial turmoil to ultimate, divinely established peace.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Psalms 46 is widely understood to be the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian siege under King Sennacherib, an event vividly recounted in [2 Kings 19](/2_kings/19 "2 Kings 19 - Sennacherib's Siege and God's Deliverance") and [Isaiah 37](/isaiah/37 "Isaiah 37 - Hezekiah's Prayer and God's Intervention"). In the ancient Near East, warfare was a pervasive and brutal reality, with empires constantly rising and falling through military might. Bows, spears, and chariots represented the pinnacle of military technology and power during this era. Bows were crucial for ranged attacks, spears for close-quarters combat, and chariots symbolized mobile offensive and defensive might, often serving as the decisive element in battles. For God to "break," "cut in sunder," and "burn" these specific instruments was a profound declaration of complete and utter incapacitation of the most formidable military forces known to the world. This act directly challenged the prevailing notion that peace was achieved through military dominance or the balance of power, asserting instead that true peace originates from divine intervention.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 46:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, asserting God's absolute and unchallengeable control over human history, the affairs of nations, and ultimately, the cessation of global conflict. This verse portrays God not as a distant observer but as an active, decisive agent in bringing about His purposes. Secondly, it paints a vivid picture of **Eschatological Peace**, offering a prophetic glimpse into a future era when God's kingdom will be fully established, bringing an end to all forms of hostility and destruction "unto the end of the earth." This theme resonates deeply with other prophetic visions of a world transformed by divine peace, such as those found in [Isaiah 11:6-9](/isaiah/11-6-9 "Isaiah 11:6-9 - The Peaceable Kingdom") and [Zechariah 9:10](/zechariah/9-10 "Zechariah 9:10 - The King of Peace"). Lastly, the verse reinforces the theme of **Divine Deliverance**, demonstrating God's active and powerful intervention to protect His people and bring about His ultimate redemptive plan, providing a sure and unshakable foundation for trust amidst any turmoil or threat.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **cease (Hebrew, _shâbath'_ H7673):** This primitive root signifies to repose, i.e., desist from exertion. It implies more than a temporary pause; it denotes a complete cessation, a bringing to an end, or a resting from activity. In this context, it suggests a divine intervention that halts the very essence of conflict, rendering it impossible to continue. The action is absolute and definitive, reflecting God's ultimate authority to bring all hostilities to an end.
* **in sunder (Hebrew, _qâtsats'_ H7112):** This primitive root means to chop off, literally or figuratively. It emphasizes the complete and utter destruction of the weapons. It conveys the idea of cutting "into pieces" or "into fragments," leaving no possibility of repair or reuse. The imagery powerfully communicates a definitive and irreversible dismantling of military power, highlighting the finality and thoroughness of God's peace-making action.
* **end (Hebrew, _qâtseh'_ H7097):** This word, derived from a root meaning to chop off, refers to an extremity, border, or utmost part. When paired with "of the earth," it forms a geographical and temporal phrase that indicates the universal and comprehensive scope of God's peace. It signifies that God's cessation of wars is not limited to a specific nation or region but extends globally, reaching every corner of the world, making the peace all-encompassing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth;":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine agent ("He," referring to God) as the sole and ultimate source of peace. The action is a deliberate, sovereign act of stopping wars, and its scope is explicitly universal, encompassing the entire world. This sets the grand stage for God's comprehensive dismantling of military power, indicating that His peace will know no geographical bounds.
* **"he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder;":** Here, God's action becomes more specific and vividly illustrative. The bow, a primary offensive weapon for ranged attacks, and the spear, a crucial close-combat weapon, are utterly destroyed. The verbs "breaketh" (H7665, _shâbar'_) and "cutteth in sunder" (H7112, _qâtsats'_) convey violent, irreversible destruction, rendering these instruments of death completely useless. This imagery emphasizes the thoroughness of God's disarmament.
* **"he burneth the chariot in the fire.":** The destruction culminates with the chariot (H5699, _ʻăgâlâh'_), which was the most formidable and technologically advanced military vehicle of the ancient world, symbolizing ultimate military might and mobility. Burning it in fire (H784, _ʼêsh'_) signifies its complete and utter annihilation, leaving nothing but ashes. This final act underscores the total incapacitation and abolition of all means of warfare, leaving no vestige of their destructive power.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 46:9 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message of divine sovereignty and ultimate peace. **Personification** is evident in the active verbs attributed to God ("He maketh," "he breaketh," "cutteth," "burneth"), portraying Him as a decisive, engaged, and powerful agent directly intervening in human affairs to end conflict. The specific mention of "bow," "spear," and "chariot" functions as **synecdoche** or **metonymy**, where these key instruments of war stand in for all military might, the entire apparatus of conflict, and the very concept of human aggression. Their vivid and violent destruction—"breaketh," "cutteth in sunder," "burneth in the fire"—uses **hyperbole** and **symbolism** to emphasize the totality and finality of God's intervention, suggesting an absolute and irreversible end to warfare that leaves no possibility of resurgence. The cumulative effect of these destructive actions creates a powerful **climax**, moving from the general cessation of wars to the specific, dramatic annihilation of the most potent weapons, underscoring the comprehensive and definitive nature of God's peace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 46:9 is a profound declaration of God's unique power to bring about ultimate peace, a peace that transcends human efforts, political treaties, or military might. It speaks to the eschatological hope embedded throughout Scripture, where God's kingdom will finally triumph over all forces of chaos, conflict, and destruction. This verse reminds us that true and lasting peace is not merely the absence of war, but the active presence of God's justice and sovereignty, which fundamentally dismantles the very instruments and intentions of hostility. It points to a divine future where the destructive nature of human sin, so often manifested in warfare, is completely overcome by God's redemptive and establishing power, ushering in an era of universal tranquility.

* [Isaiah 2:4](/isaiah/2-4 "Isaiah 2:4 - Swords into Plowshares")
* [Micah 4:3](/micah/4-3 "Micah 4:3 - Nations Learning War No More")
* [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Sorrow")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world still plagued by persistent conflict, pervasive violence, and the constant threat of war, Psalms 46:9 offers a profound anchor of hope and a challenging perspective. It calls us to fix our gaze not on the fleeting power of human armies, the precarious balance of political solutions, or the latest technological advancements in weaponry, but on the enduring and unshakable sovereignty of God, who alone possesses the power to bring about true and lasting peace. This verse invites us to cultivate a deep and abiding trust in God's ultimate control over all history, even when global circumstances seem chaotic, overwhelming, or utterly hopeless. While God alone brings the ultimate cessation of wars, believers are simultaneously called to be active agents of His peace in the present. This means actively pursuing reconciliation, justice, and compassion in our spheres of influence, embodying the values of God's kingdom even as we eagerly await its full consummation. It challenges us to examine our own hearts for any "bows, spears, or chariots" of hostility, unforgiveness, prejudice, or division that we might be harboring, and to surrender them to the transforming fire of God's love and the dismantling power of His Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the vision of God making wars cease "unto the end of the earth" challenge our contemporary understanding of peace and security, which often relies on military strength or political agreements?**
* **In what tangible ways can we, as individuals and communities of faith, participate in God's peacemaking work in a world still marked by conflict and division?**
* **How does trusting in God's ultimate sovereignty over warfare impact our personal response to current global crises, political tensions, and the suffering caused by violence?**
* **What "weapons" (e.g., anger, bitterness, gossip, unforgiveness) in our own lives or relationships might God be calling us to "break" or "burn" in order to experience and extend His peace more fully?**

### FAQ
**Does Psalms 46:9 imply that all warfare will cease immediately, or is this a future prophecy?**

Answer: Psalms 46:9 functions as both a declaration of God's inherent power and a profound prophetic vision for the future. While God has consistently demonstrated His ability to intervene and bring specific conflicts to an end throughout history (as seen in the likely historical context of the Assyrian siege and Jerusalem's deliverance in [2 Kings 19](/2_kings/19 "2 Kings 19 - Sennacherib's Defeat")), the expansive phrase "unto the end of the earth" and the radical imagery of total disarmament point to an ultimate, eschatological fulfillment. This verse anticipates a time when God's kingdom will be fully established, and true, universal peace will reign without end, as powerfully echoed in prophecies like [Isaiah 11:9](/isaiah/11-9 "Isaiah 11:9 - No Harm or Destruction on God's Holy Mountain") and the vision of the new heaven and new earth in [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - God Wipes Away Tears")). Therefore, it represents a "now and not yet" reality: God is sovereign over conflict in the present, but the complete and final cessation of all wars is a glorious future promise.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 46:9 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. He is the true "Prince of Peace" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace")), who, through His life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, inaugurated the kingdom of God that will ultimately bring an end to all conflict. While the psalm speaks of God breaking physical weapons, Christ's work goes infinitely deeper, addressing the very root cause of war: human sin, rebellion against God, and the resulting alienation between people. Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus "made peace by the blood of his cross" ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")), not only reconciling humanity to God but also breaking down the dividing wall of hostility that separates people from one another ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). His radical command to love enemies ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")) and His foundational teaching on peacemaking ([Matthew 5:9](/matthew/5-9 "Matthew 5:9 - Blessed Are the Peacemakers")) embody the spirit of this psalm, calling His followers to be agents of His reconciling peace in a broken world. The "end of the earth" peace envisioned in Psalms 46:9 will be fully realized at Christ's glorious second coming, when He establishes His eternal and universal reign, and there will be a new heaven and new earth where "there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away" ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Sorrow")). Thus, Christ is the divine agent who not only makes wars to cease but eradicates the very conditions that give rise to them, ushering in an everlasting kingdom of perfect peace.

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

Isaiah 2:4

And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

Micah 4:3

And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

Micah 4:4

But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make [them] afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken [it].

Joshua 11:9

And Joshua did unto them as the LORD bade him: he houghed their horses, and burnt their chariots with fire.

Isaiah 60:18

Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.

Psalms 76:3

There brake he the arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle. Selah.

Psalms 76:6

At thy rebuke, O God of Jacob, both the chariot and horse are cast into a dead sleep.