“Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth.”
The exhortation to consider the works of God and the reference to desolations made in the earth invite contemplation of divine action in history. The image of desolation suggests that God has been active in history, overturning kingdoms and establishing divine order. The reference to wars ending across the earth suggests that God orchestrates history toward the cessation of conflict and the establishment of divine peace. The call to consider God's works invites recognition of the pattern of divine action; careful observation of history reveals God's hand at work. This verse establishes that faith arises not from blind acceptance but from careful observation of divine action in history.
Church Fathers on Psalms 46:8
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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