Behold What Desolations the Lord hath Made in the Earth

[Sam Jer]

From Psalm 46:

8 Come, behold the works of the LORD,
what desolations he hath made in the earth.
9 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.
10 Be still, and know that I am God:
I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
11 The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.


What is meant here by "desolations"? Is it the ceasing of wars? If so, why is that considered desolations?

 

[Contra_Mundum]

It is divine reversal, a bringing of holy judgment to enemies that once surrounded the people of God and the temple (the Presence) in order to ruin it and them. The 10 plagues are the outstanding biblical example as Egypt was desolated.

 

[Sam Jer]

It is divine reversal, a bringing of holy judgment to enemies that once surrounded the people of God and the temple (the Presence) in order to ruin it and them. The 10 plagues are the outstanding biblical example as Egypt was desolated.

How does this relate to verse 9: "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."?

 

[Contra_Mundum]

He makes wars cease (in the terms of the Psalm) the way ancient kings did: by annihilating the war-making capability of their foes. And the spoil he does not add to his inventory (as if he would need to use it or replenish him) but he turns the enemy's war implements into waste or a warming fire.

 

[iainduguid]

He makes wars cease (in the terms of the Psalm) the way ancient kings did: by annihilating the war-making capability of their foes. And the spoil he does not add to his inventory (as if he would need to use it or replenish him) but he turns the enemy's war implements into waste or a warming fire.

One might reinforce Bruce's point here by comparing Psalm 46 with Ezekiel 39: all Israel's enemies rendered impotent by the Lord, their armies destroyed, the weapons of mass destruction used for firewood, ensuring the safety of the city where the Lord dwells in their midst (Ezek 40-48; esp. 48:35).