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“Psalm 11”
Categories: Bravery, Character Study, Daily Living, David, Devotion, Expository Study, Jesus Christ, John, New Testament, Old Testament, Psalms, ScripturesPsalm 11 - 6/7/22
As every Bible student knows, some passages demand greater attention to detail. Some passages can be read once or twice, and we comprehend the statement. Other passages require several more readings to truly understand what is said. For me, Psalm 11 required several readings to understand the “feel” and flow of the song.
In reading this psalm, it is apparent that David declares his trust in the Almighty (v. 1). He displayed a trust we all ought to have. When I put my trust in God (v. 1), then why listen to the ones trying to scare me (v. 1b-3)? This section, to me, seemed very difficult until I realized that the last of verse 1 through verse 3 was a statement made by the enemy to David! This is just one of many occasions where I think the verse divisions were not helpful to the reader (me)! When one reads this and sees that the enemy is speaking from verse 1 through verse 3, the rest of the psalm makes much more sense. Verses 4-7 are then David’s answer to his enemy!
Putting the praise and the accusations side-by-side, we have a song declaring David’s trust in the Lord in everything (v. 1).
- Why would he flee to the mountain (v. 1) when God is on the throne in Heaven (v. 4)?
- Why fear man’s bows and arrows (v. 2) when God can rain down fire and brimstone (v. 6)?
- Finally, “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do” (v. 3)? This statement is true and scary when taken on its own. I believe I have read articles and heard sermons concerning “if the foundations are destroyed.” Remember, in context, this statement was made by an enemy who assumed the foundations could be destroyed! They will not be destroyed so long as God is on His throne (v. 4), condemning the wicked (v. 6), and allowing the upright to behold His face (v. 7)!
Thus, David can take courage!
When I observe this world and see many wicked things happening, I get depressed. I wonder what “I” can do. I get even more depressed when I see “I” can do nothing on my own (Jn. 15:5). Perhaps David thought this way at times. I know Asaph did (Ps. 73)! Psalm 11 is God’s inspired encouragement to David (and us, Rom. 15:4) that regardless of how bad things may look through your eyes, you can be encouraged, strengthened, and ready to face the enemy when we look at things through God’s eyes!
God has an answer for whatever man might throw at us. If you deny this, read Psalm 11 again (and again) until you get it!
- Jarrod M. Jacobs
