Psalm 11/Commentary

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When Foundations Crumble Psalm 11 This Psalm could equally be titled, “What can the righteous do?” or “Panic and Stability”. This Psalm contains “faith’s response to fear’s counsel. The psalmist is in danger from the wicked, who are bending their bows and shooting at him, and either his friends or his enemies are advising him to take flight” (Psalms, Volume 1, Boice, p. 91). 11:1 “How can you say to my soul, ‘Flee as a bird to your mountain’”: This could have been advice that David was hearing from his enemies (Nehemiah 6:1013), or even more dangerous, well-meaning but erroneous advice from his friends, like Peter’s advice to Jesus in Matthew 16:22. “The plea to get away into hiding is still ringing in David’s ears as he begins his reply” (Kidner p. 73). One can understand why advisors might give David this advice, that is, David is the mainstay of the people, the one man supposedly holding the nation together, his life must be saved at all cost. 11:2 “To shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart”: “An ambush is being set. Known enemies can be dealt with; it is the unknown who are so intimidating” (Mastering the Old Testament, Psalms 1-72, Donald Williams, p. 100). “The longing for flight may come from David’s own fear----an outside advisor. He is faced with the alternative that confronts us all in crises: make God your refuge or try to create your own. The ultimate issue is whether we will trust Him or trust ourselves. Who will be the effective God in our lives?” (p. 100). Yet for an answer, “David will look up and see the immense realities that overshadow these events” (Kidner p. 73). 11:3 “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”: This is a statement that may have been made by those giving David the advise to flee. David’s advisers were afraid because they saw only frightening circumstances and crumbling foundations. “More than fifty years ago Arno. C. Gabelein called this the burning question of our day” (Boice p. 91). What Can The Righteous Do When…..


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