Psalm 11

David appears to have been fleeing from an enemy when he wrote this psalm, but we do not know the exact background incident. He expressed confidence that even though lawful authority might perish the godly can trust in the Lord to punish the wicked and deliver the righteous.

 1. Counsel of despair 11:1-3

11:1 As a principle of life David sought refuge from his enemies in the Lord, his stronghold. Consequently when his counselors urged him to run and hide in a physical stronghold, he refused to do so (cf. Matt. 16:22; Acts 21:12). He regarded Yahweh a much more secure refuge than any fortress.

11:2 The wicked were attacking the upright and David in particular. He was the target of their deadly missiles. They may have been shooting at him or he may have been under verbal attack.

11:3 David's faint-hearted counselors evidently felt the very foundations of their nation where in danger of being destroyed, namely the Mosaic Law and the institutions of Judaism. They felt distressed to the point of distraction over this possibility. Many faint-hearted people behave similarly today when they see foundational elements of their society under attack.

 2. Confidence in God 11:4-7

11:4 David's perspective included God's throne in heaven. There he visualized Yahweh sitting in perfect control over the nation He had created and promised to maintain (cf. Hab. 2:19). The pagans thought their gods dwelt in heavenly temples, but Yahweh really did. The anthropomorphic description of God's eyes and eyelids portrays His close scrutiny and precise awareness of all that was going on in Israel. He was not unaware of His people's plight.

11:5 The Lord's testing refers to His examining the righteous and the wicked. He sets Himself against people who love what He hates, including violence, in opposition to His will.

11:6 God will eventually punish those who oppose His will. He may use any of a multitude of traps and punishments at His disposal. David seems to have had the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in mind (cf. Gen 19:24).

11:7 God hates violence and will punish it (vv. 5-6), but He loves righteousness and will reward it with fellowship with Himself. He will admit the godly to His presence, and they will enjoy His blessings. This is a greater prize than physical safety.

From time to time it seems as though society as we know it is crumbling around us. The prophets of doom counsel us to take drastic measures to preserve ourselves or we will perish, they say. The godly should remember that God is still in control, and He will take care of those who trust in Him and behave in harmony with His will.