Mazmur 46:7-8

46:7 The Lord who commands armies is on our side! ¹ 

The God of Jacob ²  is our protector! ³  (Selah)

46:8 Come! Witness the exploits ⁴  of the Lord,

who brings devastation to the earth! ⁵ 

[46:7]  ¹ tn Heb “the Lord of hosts is with us.” The title “Lord of hosts” here pictures the Lord as a mighty warrior-king who leads armies into battle (see Ps 24:10). The military imagery is further developed in vv. 8-9.

[46:7]  ² tn That is, Israel, or Judah (see Ps 20:1).

[46:7]  ³ tn Heb “our elevated place” (see Pss 9:9; 18:2).

[46:8]  ⁴ sn In this context the Lord’s exploits are military in nature (see vv. 8b-9).

[46:8]  ⁵ tn Heb “who sets desolations in the earth” (see Isa 13:9). The active participle describes God’s characteristic activity as a warrior.