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Psalms 46:4
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Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
(Heb.: 46:5-8) Just as, according to Gen 2:10, a stream issued from Eden, to water the whole garden, so a stream makes Jerusalem as it were into another paradise: a river - whose streams make glad the city of Elohim (Psa 87:3; Psa 48:9, cf. Psa 101:8); פּלגיו (used of the windings and branches of the main-stream) is a second permutative subject (Psa 44:3). What is intended is the river of grace, which is also likened to a river of paradise in Psa 36:9. When the city of God is threatened and encompassed by foes, still she shall not hunger and thirst, nor fear and despair; for the river of grace and of her ordinances and promises flows with its rippling waves through the holy place, where the dwelling-place or tabernacle of the Most High is pitched. קדשׁ, Sanctum (cf. el-Ḳuds as a name of Jerusalem), as in Psa 65:5, Isa 57:15; גּדל, Exo 15:16. משׁכּני, dwellings, like משׁכּנות, Psa 43:3; Psa 84:2; Psa 132:5, Psa 132:7, equivalent to "a glorious dwelling." In Psa 46:6 in the place of the river we find Him from whom the river issues forth. Elohim helps her לפנותבּקר - there is only a night of trouble, the return of the morning is also the sunrise of speedy help. The preterites in Psa 46:7 are hypothetical: if peoples and kingdoms become enraged with enmity and totter, so that the church is in danger of being involved in this overthrow - all that God need to is to make a rumbling with His almighty voice of thunder (נתן בּקולו, as in Psa 68:34; Jer 12:8, cf. הרים בּמּטּה, to make a lifting with the rod, Exo 7:20), and forthwith the earth melts (muwg, as in Amo 9:5, Niph. Isa 14:31, and frequently), i.e., their titanic defiance becomes cowardice, the bonds of their confederation slacken, and the strength they have put forth is destroyed - it is manifest that Jahve Tsebaoth is with His people. This name of God is, so to speak, indigenous to the Korahitic Psalms, for it is the proper name of God belonging to the time of the kings (vid., on Psa 24:10; Psa 59:6), on the very verge of which it occurs first of all in the mouth of Hannah (Sa1 1:11), and the Korahitic Psalms have a royal impress upon them. In the God, at whose summons all created powers are obliged to marshal themselves like the hosts of war, Israel has a steep stronghold, משׂגּב, which cannot be scaled by any foe - the army of the confederate peoples and kingdoms, ere it has reached Jerusalem, is become a field of the dead.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
God's favor is denoted by a river (compare Psa 36:8; Zac 14:8; Rev 22:1). city of God, the holy place--His earthly residence, Jerusalem and the temple (compare Psa 2:6; Psa 3:4; Psa 20:2; Psa 48:2, &c.). God's favor, like a river whose waters are conducted in channels, is distributed to all parts of His Church. most High--denoting His supremacy (Psa 17:2).
John Gill Bible Commentary
There is a river,.... The allusion is either to the river Kidron, which ran by Jerusalem; or to the waters of Shiloah, which by different courses and branches, ran through the city of Jerusalem, and supplied the several parts of it with water, to the joy and comfort of its inhabitants: but the words are to be understood in a figurative sense, as applicable to Gospel times; and this river either designs the Gospel, the streams of which are its doctrines, which are living waters that went out from Jerusalem, and which publish glad tidings of great joy to all sensible sinners; or the Spirit and his graces, which are compared to a well, and rivers of living water, in the exercise of which the saints have much joy and peace; or else the Lord himself, who is a place of broad rivers and streams to his people, and is both their refreshment and protection; or rather his everlasting love to them is here intended; see Psa 36:8; The head of this river is the heart of God, his sovereign goodwill and pleasure; the channel through which it runs is Christ Jesus; the rise of it was in eternity, when, like a river that runs underground, it flowed secretly, as it does before the effectual calling; when it breaks up, and appears in large streams, and flows, and so it proceeds running on to all eternity. It is a river that is unfathomable, and cannot be passed over; it has heights and depths, and lengths and breadths, which cannot be fully comprehended: as for the quality of it, it is a pure river, clear as crystal; free of all dissimulation in the heart of God, and clear of all motives and conditions in the creature. Its water is living water; which quickens dead sinners, revives drooping saints, secures from the second death, and gives eternal life; it makes all fruitful about it, or that are planted by it; the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God; the "streams" of this river are eternal election; the covenant of grace its blessings and promises; the provision and mission of Christ as a Saviour, and redemption by him; justification, pardon, adoption, regeneration, perseverance in grace, and eternal life; called "streams", because they flow from the fountain of divine love; and because of the rapidity, force, and power of the grace of God, in the application of them in conversion, which carries all before it; and because of the abundance, continuance, and freeness of them, and the gratefulness and acceptableness of them to those who see the worth of them, and their interest in them; see Sol 4:15; and these, when made known and applied, "make glad" the hearts of God's people under a sense of sin and guilt, under divine desertions, the temptations of Satan, and the various afflictions they meet with; for these are intended by "the city of God", as the church is often called, because of his building, and where he dwells, and where the saints are fellow citizens. And the same are signified by the holy place; being an holy temple to God, consisting of holy persons, such who are sanctified by the Spirit of God, and live holy lives and conversations: and of the tabernacles of the most High; being the dwelling places of God, Father, Son, and Spirit. All which is a reason why the saints should not fear in the worst of times.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
46:4-6 The strong city where God dwells protects its inhabitants. They enjoy the river flowing inside the city. This river contrasts with the turbulent waters (the powers of the nations) outside the city. 46:4 Like the streams flowing through Eden, this river brings the water of life, restoration, and healing (36:8-9; see Gen 2:10; Ezek 47; Rev 22:2).
Psalms 46:4
God Is Our Refuge and Strength
3though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge. Selah 4There is a river whose streams delight the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. 5God is within her; she will not be moved. God will help her when morning dawns.
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Short Excerpt
By William Booth9.3K01:57Classic RecordingsPSA 46:4ISA 1:18ISA 35:10ISA 40:31MAT 6:19HEB 12:1JAS 1:27In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of salvation and its ability to deliver and purify the soul. The sermon encourages the listener to find joy in the salvation offered by Jesus and to remember the suffering and misery that exists in the world. The preacher urges the listener to visit and help those in need, highlighting the plight of the sick, the destitute, and the neglected. The sermon concludes by reminding the listener to rely on Jesus as the true source of hope and to cast away any false hopes or illusions.
Inexhaustible Resources in Christ
By Alan Redpath5.2K39:32ResourcesPSA 46:4ISA 35:6EZK 47:1JHN 7:37REV 22:1In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their personal journey of faith and acknowledges their own stubbornness. They believe that we are living in the end times and that Satan is putting pressure on the church. The speaker then introduces an Old Testament parable that points to the resources available to us in Jesus Christ. They emphasize the need for quality and integrity in Christian life, which they believe is lacking in today's superficial society. The speaker concludes by encouraging listeners to seek the depth of the river of God's Spirit and to stand firm in their faith.
Prophetic Reality Versus Fantasy
By Art Katz4.0K46:22RealityEXO 24:16EXO 31:18EXO 32:19DEU 5:22PSA 46:4JER 6:14In this sermon, the preacher discusses the prevalence of fantasy and escapism in our culture, particularly in the entertainment industry. He highlights the example of a space-themed video that his mother watched, emphasizing the graphic and fantastical nature of it. The preacher argues that this obsession with fantasy is a reflection of a generation that cannot live with reality. He also criticizes the false prophets who present a distorted image of God, one that lacks judgment, wrath, and the power to destroy. The preacher emphasizes the need for a true understanding of God and His commandments, rather than relying on superficial and man-made substitutes.
Sons of Korah #4: Victory: Psalms 46
By Stephen Kaung1.5K50:23Sons of KorahPSA 46:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that although God does not promise a life without distress or problems, He does promise to be our help in times of distress. The preacher refers to Psalm 46:4-7, which speaks of a river that brings gladness to the city of God and assures that God is in their midst, providing stability and protection. The preacher also mentions the concept of cities of refuge in the Old Testament, where people could find safety and protection. The sermon concludes with the reminder that through Christ, we are more than conquerors and can do all things because of His empowering love.
(Through the Bible) Psalms 41-46
By Chuck Smith1.4K1:01:15PSA 41:1PSA 42:1PSA 42:11PSA 43:3PSA 46:1PSA 46:4In this sermon, the speaker addresses the deep spiritual thirst that people have and the various ways they try to satisfy it. They observe that many individuals seek fulfillment through physical and emotional experiences, believing that achieving their immediate goals will bring them satisfaction. However, the speaker emphasizes that true satisfaction can only be found in God, who reigns and rules over all. They encourage honesty with God, confessing any disquiet or unrest in the soul, and trusting in God's deliverance and guidance. The sermon also references Psalm 45, highlighting the intimate relationship between Christ and the church, and the speaker concludes by acknowledging the presence of enemies who speak evil and wish harm, but ultimately trusting in God's protection and victory.
The Redeemer Shall Come Out of Zion
By Paul Ravenhill1.0K37:56PSA 46:4PRO 29:18ISA 52:9ISA 59:20MAT 6:33ROM 8:231CO 13:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of taking back areas of our lives and bringing them into alignment with God's perfecting. He highlights the darkness and hurt that exists in the world, both in advanced countries and in impoverished ones. The enemy's tactic is to sedate us with our culture and Christianity, preventing us from fully experiencing the life and spirit of God. The speaker also discusses a ministry of healing and the need for a vision of God as the Redeemer, emphasizing the importance of individual relationship with Him.
The Apocalypse - Revelation 1:5-20
By Steve Gallagher1.0K46:41Apocalypse StudyPSA 46:4MAT 6:33JHN 1:14REV 1:4In this sermon, the preacher begins by emphasizing the importance of praise waiting for God in our hearts, comparing it to a grand orchestra waiting for royalty to enter. The preacher then focuses on the book of Revelation and its relevance to the last days. He acknowledges the challenge of balancing the description of powerful metaphors about Jesus with the greater message behind them. The sermon highlights the first vision in Revelation, which reveals Jesus as the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. It also emphasizes Jesus' love for us, his sacrifice on the cross to release us from our sins, and his role in making us a kingdom of priests to God. The sermon concludes with a call to give glory and dominion to Jesus forever.
Letter to the Thessalonians - Part 2
By Stephen Kaung9451:11:08PSA 46:41TH 5:91TH 5:23In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the coming judgment of God upon the earth. He describes how one day, seven angels will pour out the fury of God upon the earth, bringing about the wrath of God. However, the preacher also highlights the hope and deliverance found in Jesus Christ. He explains that Jesus took upon himself the wrath of God when he was crucified on the cross, becoming our substitute. Through faith in Jesus, believers are delivered from the coming judgment and enter into the full salvation of God. The preacher concludes by emphasizing the great family reunion that will occur when the Lord returns, where believers will be received by the Lord and be together with him forever.
(Second Coming of Christ) 15 the Delights of the Paradise of God
By Aeron Morgan91751:39Second ComingPSA 1:3PSA 36:8PSA 46:4REV 22:1REV 22:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the delights of the city as described in the book of Revelation. The sermon begins by highlighting the incredible foundations and structure of the city, emphasizing its significance and importance. The preacher then focuses on the centrality of Christ in the city, highlighting his role as the faithful mediator in heaven and the supreme ruler on earth. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the paradise-like nature of the city, where there is no sin, curse, night, or death, and where believers will experience eternal blessedness in the presence of the Lamb.
Essence of the River's Power
By Alan Redpath77856:20Holy SpiritPSA 1:3PSA 46:4ISA 35:6EZK 47:1JHN 4:10JHN 7:37REV 22:1In this sermon, the speaker addresses the current state of defeat and victory in the lives of Christians. He acknowledges that many believers are disillusioned, discouraged, and defeated, lacking the true experience of faith. The speaker emphasizes the need for a real and vibrant relationship with Jesus, rather than just attending church or having head knowledge. He introduces the theme of the sermon series, which focuses on the resources for Christian living, specifically discussing the essence, experience, and effect of the river's power.
18 - a Testimony of Jesus Abbey
By Ben Torrey49309:32TestimonyGEN 2:10PSA 46:4ISA 55:1EZK 47:1MAT 28:19JHN 4:14REV 22:1In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares his personal journey and calling to establish a training center in Korea, specifically focused on preparing for the opening of North Korea. The speaker recounts how he initially had no intention of returning to Korea but felt compelled by God to take responsibility for the Three Seas Project. The project, known as the Fourth River Project, aims to research, educate, and train individuals for the eventual opening of North Korea. The speaker also shares a significant encounter with an elderly friend who emphasized the need for a fourth river, symbolizing the river of life flowing north to North Korea.
God Is Preparing a Heart
By George Warnock3311:34:03Christian LifePSA 46:4ISA 4:4HOS 6:1MAT 6:33JHN 3:8EPH 6:17In this sermon, the preacher encourages his audience to step out in faith and walk in the river of God's presence. He describes how as they take each step, the water rises higher, symbolizing a deeper level of surrender and obedience to God. The preacher emphasizes the importance of being controlled by the mind of Christ and living according to His will. He also highlights the message of Romans 8, which discusses God's dealings with the old life and the justification and redemption found in Christ Jesus. The sermon concludes with a reminder that God cleanses and purifies His people through the spirit of burning and judgment, and that He responds to their love, obedience, and desire for Him.
The Rivers of God
By Ralph Mahoney25748:53Christian LifePSA 46:4ISA 43:18JHN 7:37In this sermon, the speaker highlights the spiritual wilderness and desert that many Christians find themselves in. He emphasizes that God wants to do a new thing and bring life and blessing to His people. The speaker references Isaiah 43:18-19, where God promises to make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. He then connects this promise to Jesus' words in John 7:37-39, where Jesus invites anyone who is thirsty to come to Him and drink, promising that rivers of living water will flow from within them. The speaker concludes by praying for the release of these rivers of God's Spirit.
Fire 21 Conference
By Brian Guerin613:01Flow of the Holy SpiritProphetic VisionJDG 7:13PSA 45:7PSA 46:4MAT 7:25JHN 1:51JHN 7:38ACT 10:11PHP 3:8HEB 1:9HEB 1:14Brian Guerin shares a prophetic message at the Fire 21 Conference, emphasizing the need to break barriers that hinder the flow of the Holy Spirit, likening them to a beaver dam that stops water. He encourages attendees to embrace the symbols and visions God provides, referencing biblical examples of prophetic dreams and their meanings. Guerin highlights the importance of intimacy with Christ, urging the congregation to seek a deeper relationship with Him as they prepare for a move of the Spirit. He also shares prophetic insights about individuals being called to Australia and Cairo, Egypt, emphasizing the role of angelic assistance in their journeys. The sermon culminates in a call for prayer and worship, inviting the Holy Spirit to flow freely among the attendees.
Rev. 22:1. the Life River
By Horatius Bonar0Spiritual NourishmentThe River of LifeGEN 2:10PSA 36:8PSA 46:4PSA 65:9ISA 33:21ISA 48:18EZK 47:9JHN 7:37REV 21:6REV 22:1Horatius Bonar preaches about the 'Life River' described in Revelation 22:1, emphasizing its significance as a source of spiritual nourishment and blessings. He draws parallels between the earthly rivers of Eden and the heavenly river of life, highlighting its qualities of grace, power, purity, and brightness. Bonar illustrates how this river, flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb, offers eternal life and refreshment to all who partake of it. He encourages believers to seek this river for cleansing and vitality, reminding them of the promise of eternal life and the glory that awaits in the heavenly city.
Ezekiel's Temple and You
By Richard E. Bieber0GEN 18:22PSA 46:4ISA 58:11JHN 7:38Richard E. Bieber preaches about the importance of being a vessel of God's mercy, love, and life, drawing parallels between the Dead Sea and the ruins of Sodom and Gomorrah to emphasize the consequences of not sharing the blessings we receive. Through the story of Abraham bargaining with God for the righteous in Sodom, he highlights the power of intercession and the impact of a few faithful individuals on a community. Reflecting on Ezekiel's vision of a River of Healing and Life flowing from the temple, he encourages believers to let God's living water flow through them, transforming their surroundings and impacting lives around them.
Healed by His Stripes
By Richard E. Bieber0PSA 46:4PSA 103:3ISA 53:5MRK 2:5LUK 9:2JHN 19:34ACT 8:81JN 5:6REV 22:1Richard E. Bieber preaches about the significance of the River of God that flows throughout the Bible, symbolizing forgiveness and healing through water and blood. From Eden to Revelation, the River represents God's continuous presence and provision for humanity. Jesus is revealed as the ultimate source of this River, offering not just physical healing but spiritual restoration through His blood shed on the Cross. Believers are encouraged to follow the signs of healing to the source of forgiveness at Calvary, where the blood and water flowed from Jesus' side, bringing redemption and healing to all who believe.
Rev. 22:2. the Tree With Its Twelve Harvests
By Horatius Bonar0Healing in ChristEternal LifePSA 36:8PSA 46:4ISA 33:21ISA 61:3EZK 47:1ACT 5:15ACT 19:121CO 15:44REV 22:2Horatius Bonar preaches on Revelation 22:2, illustrating the beauty and perfection of the new creation, where the tree of life flourishes in the new Jerusalem, bearing twelve kinds of fruit and providing healing for the nations. He emphasizes the significance of faith and hope in this glorious vision, where the city and paradise coexist, and the river of life flows abundantly. Bonar describes the tree of life as a source of eternal nourishment and healing, symbolizing Christ as the ultimate source of all blessings. He invites believers to partake in the life-giving fruit and healing leaves, encouraging them to seek the refreshment and sustenance found in Christ. The sermon highlights the contrast between the fleeting nature of the present world and the eternal glory awaiting the faithful.
The Provision of God for His People (12/8/1993)
By Ric Vargas0GEN 2:5GEN 2:7PSA 46:4EZK 47:1REV 22:1Ric Vargas preaches about the great provision of God for His people, emphasizing the importance of partaking in the provision God has made available since the beginning. He delves into Psalms and Genesis to reveal God's initial purpose and heart for His creation. Vargas explores the significance of the river in Genesis, symbolizing God's intent for His people to reach out and affect all of creation with fullness of provision. He highlights four streams branching from the river, each representing different aspects of God's provision for His people's needs.
The Blessings of the Coming Age
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0NUM 24:5PSA 46:4ISA 11:6ISA 60:19ISA 65:25ZEC 8:12ROM 8:19REV 20:4Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the glorious blessings promised in the coming age of the kingdom, the millennium, as revealed in the prophetic Word. He emphasizes the true description of the golden age found only in the Word of God, contrasting it with the spiritualized teachings of Christendom. Gaebelein clarifies that the millennium is not for the church but for Israel, the nations, and creation, with a focus on the blessings and restoration of Israel as God's firstborn Son and the leader of nations. He delves into numerous prophecies from Psalms, Isaiah, Zechariah, and other prophets, painting a vivid picture of the peace, worship, and prosperity that will characterize the millennial kingdom.
Epistle 344
By George Fox0PSA 46:4ISA 48:18AMO 5:24MAT 18:20LUK 10:6ACT 4:12EPH 4:1PHP 2:91TH 4:72TI 1:10George Fox preaches about the importance of walking in the light, life, and power of God, emphasizing the need for believers to stand up for God's glory, truth, purity, virtue, and holiness. He encourages men and women to labor in the gospel of peace, serving the Lord joyfully and without strife, allowing love to edify and unite the body of Christ. Fox also addresses the reproach on women and men, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promise through Christ Jesus, who renews believers into the image of God and grants them power to act from Him as their head.
Zion, the City of God
By George Warnock0PSA 46:4EZK 36:11ROM 4:13ROM 8:17HEB 1:2HEB 11:9HEB 11:16HEB 12:22George Warnock preaches about the contrast between the cities built by fallen men, which lead to corruption and chaos, and the heavenly city prepared by God for His people. He emphasizes the importance of God's men, like Abraham, who continue to seek a city with foundations built by God. Warnock uses the analogy of a father offering his estranged sons a vast inheritance, symbolizing God's promise of a heavenly city to His people. He challenges the audience to set their sights on the heavenly Jerusalem, the true Zion, where believers become heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
(Heb.: 46:5-8) Just as, according to Gen 2:10, a stream issued from Eden, to water the whole garden, so a stream makes Jerusalem as it were into another paradise: a river - whose streams make glad the city of Elohim (Psa 87:3; Psa 48:9, cf. Psa 101:8); פּלגיו (used of the windings and branches of the main-stream) is a second permutative subject (Psa 44:3). What is intended is the river of grace, which is also likened to a river of paradise in Psa 36:9. When the city of God is threatened and encompassed by foes, still she shall not hunger and thirst, nor fear and despair; for the river of grace and of her ordinances and promises flows with its rippling waves through the holy place, where the dwelling-place or tabernacle of the Most High is pitched. קדשׁ, Sanctum (cf. el-Ḳuds as a name of Jerusalem), as in Psa 65:5, Isa 57:15; גּדל, Exo 15:16. משׁכּני, dwellings, like משׁכּנות, Psa 43:3; Psa 84:2; Psa 132:5, Psa 132:7, equivalent to "a glorious dwelling." In Psa 46:6 in the place of the river we find Him from whom the river issues forth. Elohim helps her לפנותבּקר - there is only a night of trouble, the return of the morning is also the sunrise of speedy help. The preterites in Psa 46:7 are hypothetical: if peoples and kingdoms become enraged with enmity and totter, so that the church is in danger of being involved in this overthrow - all that God need to is to make a rumbling with His almighty voice of thunder (נתן בּקולו, as in Psa 68:34; Jer 12:8, cf. הרים בּמּטּה, to make a lifting with the rod, Exo 7:20), and forthwith the earth melts (muwg, as in Amo 9:5, Niph. Isa 14:31, and frequently), i.e., their titanic defiance becomes cowardice, the bonds of their confederation slacken, and the strength they have put forth is destroyed - it is manifest that Jahve Tsebaoth is with His people. This name of God is, so to speak, indigenous to the Korahitic Psalms, for it is the proper name of God belonging to the time of the kings (vid., on Psa 24:10; Psa 59:6), on the very verge of which it occurs first of all in the mouth of Hannah (Sa1 1:11), and the Korahitic Psalms have a royal impress upon them. In the God, at whose summons all created powers are obliged to marshal themselves like the hosts of war, Israel has a steep stronghold, משׂגּב, which cannot be scaled by any foe - the army of the confederate peoples and kingdoms, ere it has reached Jerusalem, is become a field of the dead.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
God's favor is denoted by a river (compare Psa 36:8; Zac 14:8; Rev 22:1). city of God, the holy place--His earthly residence, Jerusalem and the temple (compare Psa 2:6; Psa 3:4; Psa 20:2; Psa 48:2, &c.). God's favor, like a river whose waters are conducted in channels, is distributed to all parts of His Church. most High--denoting His supremacy (Psa 17:2).
John Gill Bible Commentary
There is a river,.... The allusion is either to the river Kidron, which ran by Jerusalem; or to the waters of Shiloah, which by different courses and branches, ran through the city of Jerusalem, and supplied the several parts of it with water, to the joy and comfort of its inhabitants: but the words are to be understood in a figurative sense, as applicable to Gospel times; and this river either designs the Gospel, the streams of which are its doctrines, which are living waters that went out from Jerusalem, and which publish glad tidings of great joy to all sensible sinners; or the Spirit and his graces, which are compared to a well, and rivers of living water, in the exercise of which the saints have much joy and peace; or else the Lord himself, who is a place of broad rivers and streams to his people, and is both their refreshment and protection; or rather his everlasting love to them is here intended; see Psa 36:8; The head of this river is the heart of God, his sovereign goodwill and pleasure; the channel through which it runs is Christ Jesus; the rise of it was in eternity, when, like a river that runs underground, it flowed secretly, as it does before the effectual calling; when it breaks up, and appears in large streams, and flows, and so it proceeds running on to all eternity. It is a river that is unfathomable, and cannot be passed over; it has heights and depths, and lengths and breadths, which cannot be fully comprehended: as for the quality of it, it is a pure river, clear as crystal; free of all dissimulation in the heart of God, and clear of all motives and conditions in the creature. Its water is living water; which quickens dead sinners, revives drooping saints, secures from the second death, and gives eternal life; it makes all fruitful about it, or that are planted by it; the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God; the "streams" of this river are eternal election; the covenant of grace its blessings and promises; the provision and mission of Christ as a Saviour, and redemption by him; justification, pardon, adoption, regeneration, perseverance in grace, and eternal life; called "streams", because they flow from the fountain of divine love; and because of the rapidity, force, and power of the grace of God, in the application of them in conversion, which carries all before it; and because of the abundance, continuance, and freeness of them, and the gratefulness and acceptableness of them to those who see the worth of them, and their interest in them; see Sol 4:15; and these, when made known and applied, "make glad" the hearts of God's people under a sense of sin and guilt, under divine desertions, the temptations of Satan, and the various afflictions they meet with; for these are intended by "the city of God", as the church is often called, because of his building, and where he dwells, and where the saints are fellow citizens. And the same are signified by the holy place; being an holy temple to God, consisting of holy persons, such who are sanctified by the Spirit of God, and live holy lives and conversations: and of the tabernacles of the most High; being the dwelling places of God, Father, Son, and Spirit. All which is a reason why the saints should not fear in the worst of times.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
46:4-6 The strong city where God dwells protects its inhabitants. They enjoy the river flowing inside the city. This river contrasts with the turbulent waters (the powers of the nations) outside the city. 46:4 Like the streams flowing through Eden, this river brings the water of life, restoration, and healing (36:8-9; see Gen 2:10; Ezek 47; Rev 22:2).