Advent, Day 13: Thou My High Tower

A psalm of shelter.

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The theme of the week has been peace, and today’s offering is a new translation of Psalm 46.

Psalm 46, for the leader. For the sons of Korah, on Alamoth. A song.
(trans. S. Klavan)

For us, God is shelter and strength. A help found close at hand in dire straits.

For this reason we have nothing to fear from the convulsions of the earth, though the mountains themselves may slide into the sea,

Though the heaving oceans roar, though their swells send tremors through the mountains—

There is a river. Its streams bring joy to the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Lofty One.

God is in the heart of her, and nothing can unmake her; he will come to her aid when the dawn shows its face.

Nations clashed and kingdoms fell to pieces; he put forth his voice and the earth melted.

God with his battalions is with us, a stronghold, the God of Jacob, selah.

Come gaze upon God’s works, the ravages he has made upon Earth.

He puts an end to warfare at the edges of the Earth; shatters bows and snaps spears apart; chariots, he sets ablaze in fire.

Fall still! Know that I am God! I will be lifted on high among the nations, lifted on high on Earth.

God with his battalions is with us, a stronghold, the God of Jacob, selah.