“The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.”
The final refrain affirming that God of hosts remains with the people and Jacob's God serves as their refuge concludes the psalm by returning to the foundation of security. The repetition of the refrain from verse 7 creates a bracketing effect, returning the listener to the fundamental assurance that undergirds all the preceding imagery. The affirmation of divine presence and protection provides the ground of the exhortation to stillness and trust; faith rests on this foundation. The conclusion with the covenant designation (Jacob's God) reaffirms the specific relationship between God and Israel that constitutes the basis of their security. The psalm concludes not with the eschatological vision of verse 10 but with renewed affirmation of present divine presence and protection.
Church Fathers on Psalms 46:11
1. It is called, “A Psalm, to the end, for the sons of Korah, for things secret.” Secret is it then; but He Himself, who in the place of Calvary was crucified, you know, has rent the veil, Matthew 27:51 that the secrets of the temple might be discovered. Furthermore since the Cross of our Lord was a key, whereby things closed might be opened; let us trust that He will be with us, that these secrets may be revealed. What is said, “To the end,” always ought to be understood of…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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