Psalm 46 8

Psalm 46:8 kjv

Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.

Psalm 46:8 nkjv

Come, behold the works of the LORD, Who has made desolations in the earth.

Psalm 46:8 niv

Come and see what the LORD has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth.

Psalm 46:8 esv

Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has brought desolations on the earth.

Psalm 46:8 nlt

Come, see the glorious works of the LORD:
See how he brings destruction upon the world.

Psalm 46 verses

Psalm 46 8 Meaning

Psalm 46:8 issues a powerful invitation to observe the sovereign acts of God, particularly His interventions that bring about widespread devastation. It declares that the chaotic and destructive events witnessed on earth are not random but are direct manifestations of the LORD's purposeful judgment and power. These "desolations" are part of His divine work, humbling the proud and making way for His ultimate peace and reign.

Psalm 46 8 Context

Psalm 46 is a hymn of trust, often attributed to the "Sons of Korah," composed possibly during a national crisis, such as the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem in Hezekiah's time (2 Ki 19:35, Isa 37:36). The psalm opens by declaring God as an ever-present refuge and strength, particularly amidst chaotic and cataclysmic events where "the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea" (v. 2). It contrasts the turmoil of nations with God's dwelling in Zion, which remains unmoved (v. 4-5). Verse 8 serves as a transition, shifting focus from the raging of nations (v. 6) to the active agency of God in bringing about the very chaos described. It's an invitation for humanity, especially those who doubt or fear, to truly grasp God's ultimate power displayed through His destructive acts against human arrogance and conflict. These "desolations" are God's deliberate judgments, aimed at subduing all opposition and paving the way for His righteous reign, which culminates in the "ceasing of wars" and global peace (v. 9-10).

Psalm 46 8 Word analysis

• Come, behold (Hebrew: Lekhu chazu - לְכוּ חֲזוּ): This is a dual imperative, calling for active movement ("Come/Go") and intentional observation ("behold/see"). It is not a casual glance but an urgent invitation to witness profoundly God's display of power. It prompts a shift in perspective, moving from an anxious focus on human or natural threats to a focused contemplation of divine intervention.
• the works (Hebrew: mip'alot - מִפְעֲלוֹת): Derived from the root pa'al, meaning "to work," "to do," "to make." The plural form emphasizes God's many acts, His comprehensive and varied deeds. These are deliberate, completed actions, showcasing God's sovereign involvement and active administration of the world. These "works" are a demonstration of His effective power and authority.
• of the LORD (Hebrew: Yahweh - יְהוָה): This is God's covenant name, signifying His self-existence, eternal being, and faithful presence with His people. Using "Yahweh" emphasizes that these profound and sometimes terrifying "works" originate from the personal, revealed God of Israel, highlighting His unique power as distinct from any other claimed deity.
• who has made (Hebrew: asher sam - אֲשֶׁר שָׂם): "Asher" is a relative pronoun, directly linking the "works" and "desolations" to Yahweh. "Sam" (from the root sim) means "to set," "to place," "to put," "to make," or "to appoint." This verb underscores the intentionality and deliberateness of God's actions. He purposefully sets, establishes, or causes these conditions; they are not accidental or independent occurrences.
• desolations (Hebrew: shammot - שַׁמּוֹת): The plural of shammah or shamem, meaning "waste," "desolation," "utter ruin," "astonishment." In a biblical context, shammot frequently refers to the consequences of divine judgment, such as the destruction of cities (e.g., Jer 9:11) or the barrenness of land (e.g., Lev 26:33). It describes a state of severe ruin and destruction, which often evokes shock and awe. This term challenges human perception, as what seems like senseless destruction is, in fact, God's purposeful work of judgment or preparation. It stands in direct contrast to humanity's attempts at self-aggrandizement, asserting that God alone has the power to undo all that humans build.
• in the earth (Hebrew: ba'aretz - בָּאָרֶץ): This phrase can refer to "the land" (specifically, Israel) or "the earth" (the whole world). Given the broader context of the Psalm where "the nations rage" (v. 6) and global turmoil is depicted (v. 2-3), ba'aretz here signifies a universal scope. God's sphere of judgment and sovereignty extends over all nations and the entire created world, not just His covenant people.

Words-group Analysis

• "Come, behold the works of the LORD": This powerful command invites a profound, spiritual perception rather than a mere physical observation. It urges a shift from fearful contemplation of chaos to an awe-filled recognition of God's active, powerful hand behind events. This call applies to all people, challenging them to acknowledge the ultimate sovereignty of God.
• "who has made desolations in the earth": This specifies the nature of God's "works" in this particular context: they involve bringing ruin and devastation. It highlights a critical theological point: even the destructive and seemingly negative events on earth are part of God's active agenda. These "desolations" are often the instruments of His justice, breaking human rebellion and pride, clearing away obstacles to His ultimate kingdom and peace (Ps 46:9). It's a statement that human destruction is under divine control, not mere chance or uncontrolled malice.

Psalm 46 8 Bonus section

• The Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) translates "desolations" as phobera (φοβερὰ), meaning "terrible things," emphasizing the awesome, even terrifying, nature of God's acts, evoking both fear and reverential awe.
• This verse contains a polemical undertone against contemporary pagan beliefs which often attributed natural calamities or warfare to multiple, often warring, deities or fate. Psalm 46:8 decisively attributes all such significant, earth-shaking events to the singular, purposeful action of the one true LORD.
• The "desolations" spoken of here are a necessary prelude to the peace proclaimed in the following verses (Ps 46:9-10), where God "makes wars cease to the end of the earth." This highlights a profound biblical theme: divine judgment and cleansing often precede renewal and the establishment of God's ultimate order.
• This verse invites a posture of attentive worship and humble recognition of God's supremacy, fostering a reliance on His power rather than despair in the face of chaos.

Psalm 46 8 Commentary

Psalm 46:8 provides a crucial perspective on human suffering and global turmoil, calling the observer to transcend a superficial understanding of devastation and see the underlying divine purpose. The imperative "Come, behold" functions as an urgent summons to grasp the terrifying and magnificent reality of God's sovereign control. What appears as arbitrary destruction or catastrophic events are, in the divine economy, "the works of the LORD," enacted by His direct hand. The "desolations"—be they wars, natural disasters, or the collapse of nations—are not expressions of a distant or uncaring God, but are intentional acts of "Yahweh," the covenant God who exercises absolute power over all creation. These desolations are purposeful interventions, often designed to humble human arrogance, to bring an end to conflict by breaking the power of nations, and to prepare the way for His righteous reign, which is ultimately marked by universal peace (Ps 46:9-10). It challenges believers to find security not in human strength, but in the all-powerful God who sovereignly governs all events, even the most destructive, towards His ultimate good. For example, witnessing the collapse of mighty empires through history, or enduring personal hardship that shatters comfort, are instances where believers are invited to "behold" God's active hand in "making desolations," which clears space for His new works.