Psalms 46:4 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

He either speaks of, or at least alludes to, the river of Kidron, 2 Samuel 15:23 1 Thessalonians 18:1, and its two streams or rivulets flowing from it, Gihon and Shiloah, 2 Chronicles 32:30 Isaiah 8:6, which being small and contemptible, or still or gentle waters, are not unfitly opposed to the vast and unruly waters of the sea. He insinuates the weak condition of God's church as to outward advantages, that they had not one sea to oppose to another, but only a small river; which though in itself despicable, yet was sufficient to refresh and defend them in spite of all their enemies. And as the sea and waters thereof, Psalms 46:2,3, are to be understood metaphorically, as all agree, so also in all probability are this river and streams; which therefore may design the gracious presence, and assistance, and blessing of be Lord, (which is very frequently described under the name of waters, as Isaiah 11:9, Isaiah 12:3 Malachi 14:8, &c.,) or the Lord himself, who is expressly said to be unto the city of Zion, for its defence, a place of broad rivers and streams, Isaiah 33:20,21, which probably alludes to this text, or at least explains it. Shall make glad, i.e. shall not barely defend it from utter ruin, but preserve it from danger, and give great occasion for rejoicing and thanksgiving. The city of God, i.e. Zion or Jerusalem, so called also @Psalms 48:1 Isaiah 60:14. Of the tabernacles, i.e. of the tabernacle, the plural number for the singular, as Psalms 43:3; the place where God's holy tabernacle is settled.