
Psalm 11
Psalm 11 expresses David’s trust in God during a time of personal or communal crisis. He faces opposition from wicked individuals and receives advice to flee for safety. However, David chooses to trust that God, who rules from His heavenly throne, will judge the wicked and protect the righteous. The psalm is a declaration of faith, affirming that God's justice prevails even when circumstances seem overwhelming.
Psalm 11:1 (NKJV)
1 In the Lord I put my trust;
How can you say to my soul,
“Flee as a bird to your mountain”?
David begins by affirming his trust in God. He questions the advice given to him, which suggests that he should run to the mountains for safety like a frightened bird. This verse reveals that external voices are encouraging fear and flight, but David resists, showing his confidence in God’s protection.
Psalm 11:2 (NKJV)
2 For look! The wicked bend their bow,
They make ready their arrow on the string,
That they may shoot secretly at the upright in heart.
The wicked are portrayed as preparing for ambush, aiming to attack the righteous from the shadows. This verse highlights the stealth and malice of the wicked, suggesting that evil often operates in secrecy, targeting those who live uprightly.
Psalm 11:3 (NKJV)
3 If the foundations are destroyed,
What can the righteous do?
This verse emphasizes the gravity of the situation. When the moral or social foundations are crumbling, it raises the question of what the righteous can accomplish. It reflects the seeming hopelessness of living righteously in a society where evil dominates.
Psalm 11:4 (NKJV)
4 The Lord is in His holy temple,
The Lord’s throne is in heaven;
His eyes behold,
His eyelids test the sons of men.
David counters the fear of collapsing foundations with the reality of God’s sovereignty. God remains in control, ruling from His heavenly throne. The imagery of God’s eyes and eyelids conveys His constant awareness and scrutiny of human actions, ensuring that no injustice escapes His notice.
Psalm 11:5 (NKJV)
5 The Lord tests the righteous,
But the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates.
This verse explains that God allows the righteous to undergo testing, refining their character. However, His hatred is directed toward those who embrace wickedness and violence. This shows the distinction between God's treatment of the righteous and the wicked.
Psalm 11:6 (NKJV)
6 Upon the wicked He will rain coals;
Fire and brimstone and a burning wind
Shall be the portion of their cup.
The punishment of the wicked is described using powerful imagery. The "coals, fire, and brimstone" evoke judgment, reminiscent of God's destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. This verse assures that the wicked will ultimately receive the consequences of their actions.
Psalm 11:7 (NKJV)
7 For the Lord is righteous,
He loves righteousness;
His countenance beholds the upright.
The psalm concludes by affirming God's righteous nature. God not only acts righteously but delights in righteousness. His favorable presence is with the upright, assuring them of His blessing and approval. David ends with the confidence that those who live righteously will remain under God’s watchful care and receive His favor.