Psalm 11
Advice from Friends, Confidence in God
Psalm 11
Introduction:
A theme that seems to occur over and over in the first 11 Psalms is the fact of David’s enemies and his confidence in God.
Psalm 11 is no different than that.
Occasion for this Psalm is not given
Many, myself included, think that perhaps this Psalm was written during the time that David served in Saul’s court and had provoked his jealousy. We will refer to this during the message.
It is divided into two parts:
1. The advice of David’s friends
2. The Confidence of David’s heart
I. David gets some advice from his friends
Advice from our friends/others is always well meaning
Advice from our friends/others is not always right
1. The bow is made ready to fire v. 2
Message is the enemy is ready to destroy/kill.
Word picture of the bow.
Arrow is on the string, bow is bent and ready to fire.
Archery hunting:
When deer comes into range, this is sign of readiness
Done secretly, when vision is hidden
Shoot at upright in heart: Lethal shot
This goes well with 1 Samuel 19:1-2
Try to imagine what that must have felt like to David, knowing that there was a death sentence on his head. Knowing that all the kings servants, etc. had been ordered to take his life
What a hopeless situation
2. The foundations are destroyed, what can you do? V. 3
What are the foundations that are referred to?
Obviously any foundation that is destroyed leads to problems.
I believe that in the context here of advice from friends the foundations that are referred to are the foundations of lawful rule and morality.
In the NT the foundations of government are to encourage good and bring about judgment on evil (Romans 13:1-7).
When the foundations are broken down there is a problem.
With Saul the only foundation he had was to destroy David and watch out for number one. With that foundation there was nothing that he wouldn’t do to stop David, and nowhere that David could turn for help.
3. Flee as a bird to the mountains v. 1
The only thing left, according to David’s friends was for him to flee.
This has the idea of panic, run away, hide in fear of your life.
The only time that I can think of in Scripture where we are told to flee is in the area of temptation. Then we are not to panic, just get away from it.
II. The Confidence of David’s Heart vv. 4-7
1. The Lord is in His Holy Temple v. 4
The Lord is on His throne
Saul may reign on earth, God reigns on high!!
What a statement when everything around him is chaos!!
When we are shaken, God is not shaken!!
Matthew 10:29-31
Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. 30But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
2. In the Lord I put my trust v. 1
How did David show that trust?
By not running, by not panicking
He continued to serve Saul for some time
Even as he went into hiding, he showed it by not taking Saul’s life
Psalm 9:9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, A refuge in times of trouble.
Psalm 28:8 The LORD is their strength, And He is the saving refuge of His anointed.
Psalm 31:2 Bow down Your ear to me, Deliver me speedily; Be my rock of refuge, A fortress of defense to save me.
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
Psalm 57:1 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, Until these calamities have passed by.
Psalm 59:16-17 But I will sing of Your power; Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defense And refuge in the day of my trouble. To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises; For God is my defense, My God of mercy.
Psalm 62:7-8 7 In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah
I couldn’t help but think here of Jesus’ word in John 10:27-30
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. 30I and My Father are one.”
3. God is attentive 4b
Interesting: “His eyelids try the children of men.”
When we closely study or scrutinize something we drop our eyelids
4. The Lord hates the wicked, therefore, He will deal with them vv. 5-6
We have talked about this often in the Psalms
If we really believe that God will repay the wicked, it makes it easier to understand and apply Romans 12:19-21
19Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20Therefore
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.ӣ 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
God’s displeasure always leads to God’s punishment, not always speedy, but always sure!!
5. The Lord will uphold the upright v. 7
He will act on our behalf because we are His children!!
This is David’s confidence, even in the face of panic on behalf of his friends.