Psalm 11
Trusting in God's Righteousness and Sovereignty
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Intro
Psalm 11 is a psalm of David, expressing trust in God's righteousness and sovereignty in the face of danger and adversity. As we study this psalm from a New Covenant perspective, we will see how it points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate foundation of our trust and the assurance of God's protection. We will explore the themes of unwavering faith, God's righteous judgment, and the refuge found in Him.
Section 1: The Foundation of Trust (vs 1-3)
"In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: 'Flee like a bird to your mountain. For behold, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrow on the string to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?'"
Talking Points:
“In the LORD I take refuge” The psalmist's declaration of taking refuge in the Lord as the foundation of his trust.
“How then can you say to me: 'Flee like a bird to your mountain.” The contrast between the advice of the fearful to flee and the psalmist's unwavering trust in God's protection.
“what can the righteous do?” The recognition of the wicked's schemes and the potential destruction of foundations, leading to a question about the response of the righteous.
Harmony: Proverbs 18:10 "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe."
Questions:
How does the psalmist's unwavering trust in God's refuge challenge your own response to fear and adversity?
In what ways can we actively seek refuge in the Lord and find security in His protection when faced with the schemes of the wicked?
How does Jesus, as our ultimate refuge and strong tower, provide the assurance that the righteous can find safety and strength in Him?
Section 2: God's Righteous Judgment (vs 4-6)
"The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD is on His heavenly throne. His eyes are watching closely; they examine the sons of men. The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked and those who love violence His soul hates. On the wicked He will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their portion."
Talking Points:
“The LORD is in His holy temple” The affirmation of God's presence and sovereignty in His holy temple and heavenly throne.
“The description of God's watchful eyes” examining the righteous and discerning the wicked.
“He will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur” The assurance of God's righteous judgment upon the wicked, resulting in their punishment and destruction.
Harmony: 2 Timothy 4:8 "From now on the crown of righteousness is laid up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing."
Questions:
How does the psalmist's description of God's righteous judgment bring you comfort and assurance in the face of injustice and wickedness?
In what ways can we trust in God's discernment and justice, knowing that He examines the hearts of the righteous and the wicked?
How does Jesus, as the righteous judge, assure us that justice will be served and righteousness will ultimately prevail?
Section 3: The Refuge in God's Presence (vs 7)
"For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice. The upright will see His face."
Talking Points:
“the LORD is righteous” The affirmation of God's righteousness and His love for justice.
“The upright will see His face” The promise that the upright will have the privilege of seeing God's face, symbolizing intimate fellowship with Him.
“He loves justice” The assurance that God's righteousness and justice provide a secure refuge for His people.
Harmony: Matthew 5:8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."
Questions:
How does the psalmist's affirmation of God's righteousness and love for justice inspire you to seek purity of heart and live uprightly?
In what ways can we experience the privilege of seeing God's face and enjoying intimate fellowship with Him?
How does Jesus, as the embodiment of God's righteousness and the way to the Father, provide the ultimate fulfillment of our desire to see God's face?
Summary
Psalm 11, viewed through the lens of the New Covenant in Christ, expresses the psalmist's unwavering trust in God's righteousness, sovereignty, and protection, finding its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus.
The psalmist's refusal to flee in the face of danger reflects our own confidence in Jesus, who offers us security and refuge in Him (John 10:28).
His declaration that the Lord is in His holy temple highlights God's sovereignty and control over all things, a truth fulfilled in Jesus, who reigns as King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16).
The affirmation of God's righteous nature underscores the perfect righteousness we have in Christ, who fulfilled the law on our behalf (2 Corinthians 5:21).
His trust in God's judgment upon the wicked points to Jesus' role as the righteous Judge who will bring justice and righteousness to the world (Acts 17:30-31).
David's assurance that the upright will see God's face foreshadows our hope of eternal fellowship with God through Jesus, who reconciled us to the Father (Romans 5:10, 1 Thessalonians 4:17).
Thus, Psalm 11 emphasizes the unwavering trust in God's righteousness and protection that find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our Savior and righteous Judge.