Psalm 11: God Protects the Righteous
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A fugitive in the Wilderness of Ziph, David was encouraged by an unexpected visit from Jonathan. The two men freely talked together and ‘made a covenant before the Lord’ (1 Sam. 23:16–18). After the visit, David sang Psalm 11. . . . By this psalm David expressed his absolute confidence in God’s protection at a time when his life was threatened and he was urged to continued flight.” The imagery of the psalm is striking: “How say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?” (Psalm 11:1). David wonders aloud how well-meaning counselors can advise him to flee when he trusts God to deliver him from any predicament.
He is at peace, even in these dire times, because God is his refuge and strength. Many of David’s psalms express this total trust even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. David laments the failure of governments to protect the righteous.
“If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (v. 3).
“These may here be thought of as the principles upon which good government rests: respect for truth and righteousness. If these are destroyed, what further can the righteous do? If the king and his counselors show contempt for that which they should uphold, collapse is inevitable. The righteous, helpless in such a case, can seek safety only in flight. But the psalmist does not accept such counsel. Verses 4–6 are his reply.” God tests all, and the upright He protects. Those who do evil will be destroyed at the end of time.
David believes the wicked will ultimately meet a fate worthy of their evil thoughts and actions (vv. 4–6). God will defend those who honor and obey Him and preserve them. In heaven, the saints will see the face of God (v. 7; see also Psalm 4:6; 1 John 3:2; Revelation 22:4).
“What a fellowship, what a joy divine, / Leaning on the everlasting arms.”
