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To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth.>> God is our refuge and strength, a very
present help in trouble. Psalms 46:1
Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the
sea; Psalms 46:2
Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
Psalms 46:3
There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most
High. Psalms 46:4
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. Psalms 46:5
The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. Psalms 46:6
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. Psalms 46:7
Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth. Psalms 46:8
He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he
burneth the chariot in the fire. Psalms 46:9
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalms 46:10
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. Psalms 46:11
To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth.>> God is our refuge and strength, a very
present help in trouble. Psalms 46:1
Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the
sea; Psalms 46:2
Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
Psalms 46:3
There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most
High. Psalms 46:4
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. Psalms 46:5
The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. Psalms 46:6
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. Psalms 46:7
Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth. Psalms 46:8
He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he
burneth the chariot in the fire. Psalms 46:9
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalms 46:10
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. Psalms 46:11
HYMN HISTORY:
Martin Luther was born on November 10,1483 in Eisleben, Saxony, Germany. He was educated at the University of
Erfurt. On October 31, 1517, sometimes called the “4th of July of Protestantism,” Martin Luther nailed his ninety-five
theses to the door of the Cathedral of Wittenberg, Germany. These theses condemned various practices and
teachings of the Roman church. After several years of stormy disputes with the Pope and other church leaders,
Martin Luther was finally excommunicated from the fellowship of the Roman Catholic church in 1520.
One of the important benefits of the Reformation Movement was the rediscovery of congregational singing. Luther
had strong convictions about the use and power of sacred music. He expressed his convictions in this way,
Martin Luther was born on November 10,1483 in Eisleben, Saxony, Germany. He was educated at the University of
Erfurt. On October 31, 1517, sometimes called the “4th of July of Protestantism,” Martin Luther nailed his ninety-five
theses to the door of the Cathedral of Wittenberg, Germany. These theses condemned various practices and
teachings of the Roman church. After several years of stormy disputes with the Pope and other church leaders,
Martin Luther was finally excommunicated from the fellowship of the Roman Catholic church in 1520.
One of the important benefits of the Reformation Movement was the rediscovery of congregational singing. Luther
had strong convictions about the use and power of sacred music. He expressed his convictions in this way,
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Like Psalm 46, the hymn "A MIghty Fortress Is Our God", begins by proclaiming that God is our refuge
(a fortress is a military fort or a fortified place) and strength (a bulwork is a wall of defense or even a shield).
The Lord is our constant source for help in time of trouble—even when trials seem to be flooding over us. But then
our great adversary is mentioned as our greatest threat who still strives to do us harm. He—Satan—is clever
and powerful and filled with hate. And on earth Satan has no equal. (1 Peter 5:8)
The second stanza, however, makes it clear that though we cannot win the spiritual battle by our own strength
(Ephesians 6:11-12), God has provided us with the One who can and will win the battle. And that One is none
other than the Lord Jesus Christ. His name is “Lord Sabaoth”, which means “Lord Almighty”, “Lord of Hosts” or
even “Lord of Armies”. Luther is referring to Psalm 46:7 and 11, in which God is named the Lord of Hosts. This
means the Lord of Armies—meaning both earthly armies and the Lord’s angelic armies (see 2 Kings 6:15, where
Elisha prayed that his servant’s eyes would be opened to see the hosts protecting them). The point being that the
Lord over all spiritual hosts is the Man—Jesus Christ—who will win the spiritual battle. Note that Luther also is
making a clear proclamation of Christ’s deity by both calling him Lord Almighty and saying He is the same from age
to age (He is eternal—the same yesterday, today, and forever—Heb 13:8).
The third stanza expresses that though the demonic forces against us are great, we have no need to fear because
our God has willed that His truth would triumph through us. And though Satan is ferociously evil, we can endure his
anger because we know he is a defeated foe. Our Lord is infinitely greater! So much so that “one little word”
uttered from our Lord will ruin him. (Psalms 46:6 says “He uttered His voice, the earth melted”).
The final stanza uses a play on words—“word” was used in the last line of stanza three and now “Word” is used to
represent Christ. Christ is above all earthly powers and is there for us. Also, God—who is on our side—has given
us His Spirit and His gifts. So we have nothing to fear and nothing to lose! The evil one may be allowed to take our
earthly goods and family (“goods and kindred”). He may even be allowed to take our earthly life! But the worst the
enemies of truth can do is really nothing. They are all perishing. But the Lord, His truth, His kingdom, and all those
who belong to Him will endure forever.
Therefore, as Psalm 46 concludes:
Like Psalm 46, the hymn "A MIghty Fortress Is Our God", begins by proclaiming that God is our refuge
(a fortress is a military fort or a fortified place) and strength (a bulwork is a wall of defense or even a shield).
The Lord is our constant source for help in time of trouble—even when trials seem to be flooding over us. But then
our great adversary is mentioned as our greatest threat who still strives to do us harm. He—Satan—is clever
and powerful and filled with hate. And on earth Satan has no equal. (1 Peter 5:8)
The second stanza, however, makes it clear that though we cannot win the spiritual battle by our own strength
(Ephesians 6:11-12), God has provided us with the One who can and will win the battle. And that One is none
other than the Lord Jesus Christ. His name is “Lord Sabaoth”, which means “Lord Almighty”, “Lord of Hosts” or
even “Lord of Armies”. Luther is referring to Psalm 46:7 and 11, in which God is named the Lord of Hosts. This
means the Lord of Armies—meaning both earthly armies and the Lord’s angelic armies (see 2 Kings 6:15, where
Elisha prayed that his servant’s eyes would be opened to see the hosts protecting them). The point being that the
Lord over all spiritual hosts is the Man—Jesus Christ—who will win the spiritual battle. Note that Luther also is
making a clear proclamation of Christ’s deity by both calling him Lord Almighty and saying He is the same from age
to age (He is eternal—the same yesterday, today, and forever—Heb 13:8).
The third stanza expresses that though the demonic forces against us are great, we have no need to fear because
our God has willed that His truth would triumph through us. And though Satan is ferociously evil, we can endure his
anger because we know he is a defeated foe. Our Lord is infinitely greater! So much so that “one little word”
uttered from our Lord will ruin him. (Psalms 46:6 says “He uttered His voice, the earth melted”).
The final stanza uses a play on words—“word” was used in the last line of stanza three and now “Word” is used to
represent Christ. Christ is above all earthly powers and is there for us. Also, God—who is on our side—has given
us His Spirit and His gifts. So we have nothing to fear and nothing to lose! The evil one may be allowed to take our
earthly goods and family (“goods and kindred”). He may even be allowed to take our earthly life! But the worst the
enemies of truth can do is really nothing. They are all perishing. But the Lord, His truth, His kingdom, and all those
who belong to Him will endure forever.
Therefore, as Psalm 46 concludes:
A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.
And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.
That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.
And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.
That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.
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God be with You till we meet again, Tom & Myra
Click on the following link for our Bible Study called
"Rewards - Five Crowns"
"Rewards - Five Crowns"
“If any man despises music, as all fanatics do, for him I have no liking; for music is a gift and grace of God, not an
invention of men. Thus it drives out the devil and makes people cheerful. Then one forgets all wrath, impurity and
other devices,”
Again, “The Devil, the originator of sorrow anxieties and restless troubles, flees before the sound of music almost
as much as the Word of God.”
In another place, “I wish to compose sacred hymns so that the Word of God may dwell among the people also by
means of songs.”
Finally, Luther wrote, “I would allow no man to preach or teach God’s people without a proper knowledge of the use
and power of sacred song.”
invention of men. Thus it drives out the devil and makes people cheerful. Then one forgets all wrath, impurity and
other devices,”
Again, “The Devil, the originator of sorrow anxieties and restless troubles, flees before the sound of music almost
as much as the Word of God.”
In another place, “I wish to compose sacred hymns so that the Word of God may dwell among the people also by
means of songs.”
Finally, Luther wrote, “I would allow no man to preach or teach God’s people without a proper knowledge of the use
and power of sacred song.”
Martin Luther - Lyrics and Composer
1483-1546
1483-1546
Born: November 10, 1483, Eisleben, Germany.
Died: February 18, 1546, Eisleben, Germany.
Buried: Schlosskirche, Wittenberg, Germany
Died: February 18, 1546, Eisleben, Germany.
Buried: Schlosskirche, Wittenberg, Germany
Frederic Henry Hedge - Translated Hymn to English
1805-1890
1805-1890
Born: December 12, 1805, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Died: August 21, 1890, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Died: August 21, 1890, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
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It then describes a event in which the city of Jerusalem was under siege by enemy armies, using pictures of the
earth shaking and mountains falling and waters flooding to express how dire the situation was. Then the psalmist
describes how, though the Israelites could do nothing in their own power, God was with His people and He could not
be shaken nor moved and He won the victory. The final stanza of the psalm looks ahead to the future when God
shall defeat all armies and establish his eternal reign. It presents God as the conqueror who is the one and only
victorious and sovereign God. Therefore He tells us: “be still and know that I am God”
Martin Luther’s “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” has often been called the “Battle Hymn of the Reformation” and has
been translated into almost every known language. It was perhaps the single most powerful hymn of the
Reformation, as it was a great source of strength and inspiration for those who were persecuted and even martyred
for their convictions.
Martin Luther used Psalm 46 as the inspiration for “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” Luther’s four stanzas interpret
this psalm from his own experience during the troubled times of the Reformation. He interpreted the psalm to be
not merely expressing God’s protection and strength for God’s people of Jerusalem, but for God’s people of all
times. And he understood the battle described in the psalm to be more than an earthly battle but a spiritual battle.
So Luther saw in Psalm 46 a great encouragement for him and the Reformers that God would be a strong refuge
and strength for them in their current time of trouble—a battle against not merely fleshly armies but in the realm of
spiritual warfare as they defended the Gospel itself.
James Montgomery Boice wrote:
earth shaking and mountains falling and waters flooding to express how dire the situation was. Then the psalmist
describes how, though the Israelites could do nothing in their own power, God was with His people and He could not
be shaken nor moved and He won the victory. The final stanza of the psalm looks ahead to the future when God
shall defeat all armies and establish his eternal reign. It presents God as the conqueror who is the one and only
victorious and sovereign God. Therefore He tells us: “be still and know that I am God”
Martin Luther’s “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” has often been called the “Battle Hymn of the Reformation” and has
been translated into almost every known language. It was perhaps the single most powerful hymn of the
Reformation, as it was a great source of strength and inspiration for those who were persecuted and even martyred
for their convictions.
Martin Luther used Psalm 46 as the inspiration for “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” Luther’s four stanzas interpret
this psalm from his own experience during the troubled times of the Reformation. He interpreted the psalm to be
not merely expressing God’s protection and strength for God’s people of Jerusalem, but for God’s people of all
times. And he understood the battle described in the psalm to be more than an earthly battle but a spiritual battle.
So Luther saw in Psalm 46 a great encouragement for him and the Reformers that God would be a strong refuge
and strength for them in their current time of trouble—a battle against not merely fleshly armies but in the realm of
spiritual warfare as they defended the Gospel itself.
James Montgomery Boice wrote:
"We sing this psalm to the praise of God, because God is with us and powerfully and miraculously preserves and
defends his church and his word against all fanatical spirits, against the gates of hell, against the implacable hatred
of the devil, and against all the assaults of the world, the flesh and sin.”
defends his church and his word against all fanatical spirits, against the gates of hell, against the implacable hatred
of the devil, and against all the assaults of the world, the flesh and sin.”
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge.
The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge.
“Almost everyone associates Martin Luther with the Book of Romans, particularly Romans 1:17, “The just shall live
by faith”. We tend to forget that Luther was converted not only by his study of Romans, but also by his study of the
psalms. Luther taught the psalms for years and loved them very much, even late in life. His favorite was Psalm 46.
It is said of Luther that there were times during the dark and dangerous periods of the Reformation when he was
terribly discouraged and depressed. But at such times he would turn to his friend and coworker Philipp
Melanchthon and say, “Come, Philipp, let’s sing the forty-sixth Psalm.” Then they would sing it in Luther’s own
strong version…. We know it as “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.”
by faith”. We tend to forget that Luther was converted not only by his study of Romans, but also by his study of the
psalms. Luther taught the psalms for years and loved them very much, even late in life. His favorite was Psalm 46.
It is said of Luther that there were times during the dark and dangerous periods of the Reformation when he was
terribly discouraged and depressed. But at such times he would turn to his friend and coworker Philipp
Melanchthon and say, “Come, Philipp, let’s sing the forty-sixth Psalm.” Then they would sing it in Luther’s own
strong version…. We know it as “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.”
Luther said,
This hymn has been translated into practically every known language and is regarded as one of the noblest and
most classic examples of Christian hymnody. It is said there are no less than sixty translations of this text in English
alone. In England the version by Thomas Carlyle is in general use, while in this country the translation by Frederick
first appeared in a book entitled Gems of German Verse by W. H. Furness, published in 1853.
Hedge attended Harvard University and Divinity School, then pastored in Arlington, Massachusetts (1829-1835);
Bangor, Maine (1835-1850); Providence, Rhode Island (1850-1856); and Brookline, Massachusetts (1856-1872).
He edited The Christian Examiner (1857-1861), and served as president of the American Uitarian Association
(1859-1862). He went on to teach ecclesiastical history (1857-1878) and German literature (1872-1882) at Harvard.
Martin Luther died on February 18, 1546, in Eisleben, Germany, and is buried at Schlosskirche, Wittenberg,
Germany. The first line of this national hymn of Protestant Germany is fittingly inscribed on the tomb of the great
reformer at Wittenberg, and may still be read with appreciation by travellers to that historic spot.
most classic examples of Christian hymnody. It is said there are no less than sixty translations of this text in English
alone. In England the version by Thomas Carlyle is in general use, while in this country the translation by Frederick
first appeared in a book entitled Gems of German Verse by W. H. Furness, published in 1853.
Hedge attended Harvard University and Divinity School, then pastored in Arlington, Massachusetts (1829-1835);
Bangor, Maine (1835-1850); Providence, Rhode Island (1850-1856); and Brookline, Massachusetts (1856-1872).
He edited The Christian Examiner (1857-1861), and served as president of the American Uitarian Association
(1859-1862). He went on to teach ecclesiastical history (1857-1878) and German literature (1872-1882) at Harvard.
Martin Luther died on February 18, 1546, in Eisleben, Germany, and is buried at Schlosskirche, Wittenberg,
Germany. The first line of this national hymn of Protestant Germany is fittingly inscribed on the tomb of the great
reformer at Wittenberg, and may still be read with appreciation by travellers to that historic spot.
The single most powerful hymn of the Protestant Reformation Movement was Luther’s “A Mighty Fortress Is Our
God,” based on Psalm 46. This hymn became the battle cry for the people, a great source of strength and
inspiration even for those who were martyred for their convictions. The hymn was based on Psalm 46, a psalm
written in response to God’s delivering His people from severe calamity and trial. Psalm 46 begins with,
God,” based on Psalm 46. This hymn became the battle cry for the people, a great source of strength and
inspiration even for those who were martyred for their convictions. The hymn was based on Psalm 46, a psalm
written in response to God’s delivering His people from severe calamity and trial. Psalm 46 begins with,
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear.”
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