There is a riverIn biblical symbolism, rivers often represent life, provision, and the presence of God. The imagery of a river suggests a continuous and abundant source of sustenance and blessing. In the context of ancient Israel, rivers were vital for agriculture and survival, making them a powerful metaphor for divine provision. This river can be seen as a type of the Holy Spirit, who flows into the lives of believers, bringing spiritual nourishment and life.
whose streams delight the city of God
The "city of God" refers to Jerusalem, the spiritual and political center of Israel. In a broader sense, it symbolizes the dwelling place of God among His people. The streams that delight the city suggest peace, joy, and divine favor. This imagery can be connected to the Garden of Eden, where a river watered the garden, symbolizing God's perfect provision. The delight of the city can also be seen as a foretaste of the New Jerusalem described in Revelation, where God's presence brings eternal joy and peace.
the holy place
This phrase refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the sacred space where God's presence was believed to dwell among His people. The temple was central to Jewish worship and identity, representing God's covenant relationship with Israel. The holiness of this place underscores the idea of separation from sin and dedication to God. It also points to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate holy place, as He embodied the presence of God on earth and through whom believers have access to God.
where the Most High dwells
The "Most High" is a title for God, emphasizing His supreme authority and sovereignty over all creation. His dwelling among His people signifies His commitment to be with them, guiding and protecting them. This presence was manifested in the temple, but ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is Immanuel, "God with us." The indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers today continues this theme, as God resides within His people, making them His temple.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The RiverSymbolic of God's provision, peace, and presence. In the context of ancient cities, a river was a source of life and sustenance.
2.
The City of GodRepresents Jerusalem, the spiritual center for the Israelites, and by extension, the dwelling place of God among His people.
3.
The Most HighA title for God, emphasizing His supreme authority and sovereignty over all creation.
4.
StreamsThese are the channels through which the river's life-giving water flows, symbolizing the ways in which God's blessings and presence are distributed among His people.
5.
The Holy PlaceRefers to the temple in Jerusalem, the physical location where God's presence was believed to dwell among the Israelites.
Teaching Points
God's Presence Brings PeaceJust as a river brings life and sustenance, God's presence in our lives brings peace and joy, even amidst turmoil.
The Church as the City of GodToday, the Church is the spiritual city of God, where His presence dwells among believers. We are called to be channels of His grace and love to the world.
Spiritual NourishmentJust as the streams nourish the city, we must seek spiritual nourishment through prayer, scripture, and fellowship to sustain our faith.
God's Sovereignty and ProtectionThe imagery of the Most High dwelling in the city reminds us of God's sovereign protection over His people. We can trust in His power and provision.
Living WaterAs believers, we have access to the living water of the Holy Spirit, which refreshes and empowers us to live out our faith daily.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Psalm 46:4?
2.How does Psalm 46:4 describe God's presence as a source of peace?
3.What does "river" symbolize in Psalm 46:4, and how does it apply today?
4.How can believers experience the "streams" of God's presence in daily life?
5.Connect Psalm 46:4 with John 7:38 about living water. What similarities exist?
6.How can the imagery in Psalm 46:4 strengthen your faith during trials?
7.What does "There is a river" symbolize in Psalm 46:4?
8.How does Psalm 46:4 reflect God's presence in times of trouble?
9.What historical context influenced the writing of Psalm 46:4?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 46?
11.What is the meaning and location of Succoth Valley?
12.What is the meaning of Psalm 46:5?
13.What defines the City of God?
14.Psalm 87:7 – In what sense are all “springs” in Zion, given that historically rivers and water sources are not exclusive to Jerusalem?What Does Psalm 46:4 Mean
There is a river• The statement is literal: God Himself provides an unfailing river that proceeds from His throne (Genesis 2:10;Ezekiel 47:1–12;Zechariah 14:8;Revelation 22:1).
• In times of turmoil (Psalm 46:2–3), this river stands in sharp contrast to the roaring seas, showing the calm, life–giving order that flows from God.
• At the same time, the river pictures the ongoing refreshment believers receive in Christ, who offers “living water” (John 4:14;John 7:38), and the Holy Spirit, who “pours out” God’s love into our hearts (Romans 5:5).
whose streams delight• The river does not trickle; it branches into nourishing channels that “delight” or gladden. God’s supply is generous and accessible (Isaiah 55:1;Psalm 36:8;Joel 3:18).
• Those streams touch every part of life:
– Strength for today (Isaiah 40:31)
– Peace in conflict (Philippians 4:7)
– Joy that the world cannot take away (John 15:11)
• The delight is real, present, and emotional, not merely theoretical. God wants His people to taste and see His goodness now (Psalm 34:8).
the city of God• Literally, this points to Jerusalem, the city God chose as His earthly dwelling (Psalm 48:1–2;Psalm 132:13–14).
• It also anticipates the heavenly Jerusalem, “the city of the living God” (Hebrews 12:22;Revelation 21:2), where the redeemed will dwell forever.
• Because the city belongs to God, it is secure even when nations rage (Psalm 46:6). The believer’s citizenship is in this unshakable city (Philippians 3:20).
the holy place• The phrase recalls the temple, the set–apart sanctuary where God’s presence was uniquely revealed (Exodus 25:8;1 Kings 8:10–11).
• Holiness marks every inch of God’s domain; nothing unclean can enter (Psalm 24:3–4;Revelation 21:27).
• In Christ, believers themselves become “God’s temple” (1 Corinthians 3:16), yet a future millennial temple will also showcase His holiness on earth (Ezekiel 43:12).
where the Most High dwells• “Most High” (El Elyon) underscores God’s unrivaled sovereignty (Psalm 91:1;2 Chronicles 6:2).
• His dwelling is permanent; He does not abandon His house (Ezekiel 43:7;Revelation 21:22–23).
• Because God lives there, the city cannot fall: “God is within her; she will not be moved” (Psalm 46:5).
summaryPsalm 46:4 paints a vivid, literal scene: an ever-flowing river from God’s throne courses through His chosen city, branching into life-giving streams that bring joy, holiness, and safety. The passage looks to Jerusalem’s present identity, the believer’s present experience in Christ, and the future fulfillment in the New Jerusalem. Wherever the Most High dwells, abundance, gladness, and unshakable security follow.
(4)
A river . . .--Heb.,
n?har, i.e.,a perennial stream, as distinguished from
n?chal,a torrent bed dry except in the rainy season. Plainly, then, the "Cedron" is not here alluded to. But many commentators think "Siloam" is intended. (See Stanley,
Sinai and Palestine,p. 180, and comp.
Isaiah 12:3;
Ezekiel 47:1-5;
John 7:37.)
There may not, however, be any such local allusion. The river, flowing calmly and smoothly along, may be only a symbol of the peace and blessing of the Divine presence, as the tumult and tempest of the sea in the last verse are of the world's noisy troubles. Indeed, the LXX. (comp. Prayer Book version) seems to connect the river of this verse with the waters of the preceding.
Streams.--See Note onPsalm 1:3, where the same word occurs.
Verse 4. -
There is a river, the streamswhereof shall make glad the city of God. In contrast with the scene of tumult and disturbance in the world at large, which the writer has presented to us in vers. 2, 3, he now shows us, resting in perfect peace and tranquillity, "the city of God," threatened, indeed, by the nations, but undismayed by them, and calmly trusting in the protection of the God who is "in the midst of her." To this city he assigns a "river, the streams whereof make her glad;" imagery in which we may recognize the perennial fountain of God's grace - that "pure river of water of life," which, welling forth from the throne of God and of the Lamb, continually refreshes and gladdens the Church of Christ (
Revelation 22:1), whether her dwell-tug-place be the earthly or the heavenly Jerusalem.
The holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High (comp.
Psalm 43:3). The direct application is, of course, to the earthly Jerusalem, which the armies of Sennacherib were threatening.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
There is a riverנָהָ֗ר(nā·hār)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5104:A stream, prosperitywhose streamsפְּלָגָ֗יו(pə·lā·ḡāw)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6388:A channel, canaldelightיְשַׂמְּח֥וּ(yə·śam·mə·ḥū)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 8055:To brighten up, be, blithe, gleesomethe cityעִיר־(‘îr-)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5892:Excitementof God,אֱלֹהִ֑ים(’ĕ·lō·hîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativethe holy [place where]קְ֝דֹ֗שׁ(qə·ḏōš)Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6918:Sacred, God, an angel, a saint, a sanctuarythe Most Highעֶלְיֽוֹן׃(‘el·yō·wn)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 5945:An elevation, lofty, as title, the Supremedwells.מִשְׁכְּנֵ֥י(miš·kə·nê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4908:A residence, the Tabernacle
Links
Psalm 46:4 NIVPsalm 46:4 NLTPsalm 46:4 ESVPsalm 46:4 NASBPsalm 46:4 KJV
Psalm 46:4 BibleApps.comPsalm 46:4 Biblia ParalelaPsalm 46:4 Chinese BiblePsalm 46:4 French BiblePsalm 46:4 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Psalm 46:4 There is a river the streams (Psalm Ps Psa.) 
