Notes On Psalm 11 1964

by John Miller | Category: Voices From The Past | Nov 1994

This is a psalm of David. He was evidently in trouble and certain were telling him to flee to his mountain and so end his trouble in flight. Some have thought that this is the way to get rid of their trouble. Give it up; leave it all behind, and escape from it. But the mountain has its troubles as well as the city. If there was such a place on earth to which the Devil had no access, and where the flesh ceased its inward churning, and where the world ceased with its clash and clang of warring elements, would we not all make for that place? To flee from trouble as David was advised would have been like fleeing from a lion and a bear met him. What was David's answer to the suggestion to get out of his trouble? It was this, "In the LORD put I my trust". His refuge was not a mountain. If the Lord failed him then he would certainly fail. But the Lord has pledged His word, and His promises do not fail for evermore, that He will either forsake or fail His saints.

The wicked are ever present with bow and arrow to shoot in darkness (for that is where they dwell) at the upright in heart, the people that are illuminated, who walk in the light.

"If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?" There are various renderings of these words by different translators, but we follow the A.V. and R.V. rendering. When the foundations are destroyed, whether we consider a material structure or any constitution whatever, then there is nothing but chaos. But we are assured that whatever upheaval there may be, "the firm foundation of God standeth, having this seal, (1) The Lord knoweth them that are His: and, (2) Let every one that nameth the Name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness" (2 Tim. 2:19). The reading of the seal is twofold, (a) what the Lord knows, and (b) what those who name the Name of the Lord are to do. The constitution of Israel of old, as a holy nation and a people for God, was the law given upon Mount Sinai with its statutes and judgements. The foundation of God's people today is the Faith of our Lord Jesus Christ which was once for all delivered unto the saints. If we stand steadfast in the Faith we shall find in God a refuge from every storm.

John Miller | Nov 1994
Voices From The Past