Psalms 46:4

“[There] is a river, etc.] The allusion is either to the river Kidron, which ran by Jerusalem; or to the waters of Shiloah, which by different courses and branches, ran through the city of Jerusalem, and supplied the several parts of it with water, to the joy and comfort of its inhabitants: but the words are to be understood in a figurative sense, as applicable to Gospel times; and this river either designs the Gospel, the streams of which are its doctrines, which are living waters that went out from Jerusalem, and which publish glad tidings of great joy to all sensible sinners; or the Spirit and his graces, which are compared to a well, and rivers of living water, in the exercise of which…”

“God's favor is denoted by a river (compare Psa 36:8; Zac 14:8; Rev 22:1). city of God, the holy place--His earthly residence, Jerusalem and the temple (compare Psa 2:6; Psa 3:4; Psa 20:2; Psa 48:2, &c.). God's favor, like a river whose waters are conducted in channels, is distributed to all parts of His Church. most High--denoting His supremacy (Psa 17:2).”

“There is a river - There is no allusion here to any particular stream or river, but the image is designed to represent a state of peace and calm security in contrast with the rough and troubled ocean. While the ocean rages, and foams, and dashes against the mountains as if it would overturn them, the state of Jerusalem, the city of God, was well represented by a calm and gently-flowing river; a river of full banks, diffusing joy and fertility and beauty wherever it flowed. This image, to represent happiness, abundance, peace, joy, is one that is often employed in the Scriptures. Compare Isaiah 32:2; Isaiah 33:21; Isaiah 41:18; Psalms 1:3; Revelation 22:1; Psalms 36:8. The “idea” here is…”

“A river - This may design the gracious presence, and blessing of the Lord, which is frequently described under the name of waters. Make glad - Shall not barely preserve it from danger, but give great occasion for rejoicing and thanksgiving. The city - Jerusalem, the place where God's holy tabernacle is settled. Psalms 46:7”

“46:4-6 The strong city where God dwells protects its inhabitants. They enjoy the river flowing inside the city. This river contrasts with the turbulent waters (the powers of the nations) outside the city. 46:4 Like the streams flowing through Eden, this river brings the water of life, restoration, and healing (36:8-9; see Gen 2:10; Ezek 47; Rev 22:2).”

“a river: Psa 23:2, Psa 36:8, Psa 36:9; Isa 8:6, Isa 8:7, Isa 48:18; Eze 47:1-12; Rev 22:1-3 city: Psa 48:1, Psa 48:8, Psa 87:3; Ch2 6:6; Isa 37:35, Isa 37:36, Isa 60:14; Heb 12:22; Rev 21:2, Rev 21:3, Rev 21:10 holy: Deu 12:11, Deu 12:12 most: Psa 91:1, Psa 92:1, Psa 92:8; Ecc 5:8; Mic 6:6 Psalms 46:5”

“(Heb.: 46:5-8) Just as, according to Gen 2:10, a stream issued from Eden, to water the whole garden, so a stream makes Jerusalem as it were into another paradise: a river - whose streams make glad the city of Elohim ( Psa 87:3; Psa 48:9, cf. Psa 101:8); פּלגיו (used of the windings and branches of the main-stream) is a second permutative subject ( Psa 44:3). What is intended is the river of grace, which is also likened to a river of paradise in Psa 36:9. When the city of God is threatened and encompassed by foes, still she shall not hunger and thirst, nor fear and despair; for the river of grace and of her ordinances and promises flows with its rippling waves through the holy place, where…”