Psalm 11:1-7 In the LORD put I my trust: how say you to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?… The exercise of genuine faith is frequently involved in a conflict with unbelief; and they not seldom get entangled one with the other, like wrestlers, so that they can scarce be distinguished. Just such a struggle is set forth in this Psalm. It tells of David's experience as a believer assaulted by suspicions and fears and perplexities prompted within him by unbelief. I. THE MANNER IN WHICH THE ASSAULT WAS MADE (vers. 1-3). We cannot tell the circumstances which occasioned their suggestions. But the danger represented was well-nigh desperate. The very foundations of his safety were threatened. Then it was said to him, "Flee, flee as a bird to your mountain." The suggestion was insidious in form, of a prudent and very practical hint for self-preservation. And yet it was alien to his faith. That was not disturbed in its depths where it was anchored on the Lord. Their suggestions did indeed ruffle his feelings, but did not make him doubt the truths of his faith. Hence he avows his trust. "In the Lord put I my trust." "How dare ye say to my soul, flee?" II. HOW HE MET THE ASSAULTS OF UNBELIEF. By turning his gaze outwards and upwards to the Lord. From Him he derived all the power wherewith to meet their assaults. III. THE PSALM MAY BE TAKEN AS A DIALOGUE. 1. The suggestion to "flee" is met by asking how they dare to say that when "the Lord is in His holy temple." 2. That "the wicked bend their bow" is met by the thought, "His eyes behold, His eyelids try the children of men." As if He could not see! 3. "That the foundations were destroyed," by the thought that if they were the Lord was dealing with him; "the Lord trieth the righteous;" and "I put my trust in Him," "who of old laid the foundations of the earth," in Him the Eternal. Then, should such a man as I flee? IV. LESSONS. 1. Dread and resist the faintest whisper of retreat, whatever be the troubles and dangers of your course. 2. Live much aloft in communion with the Divine object of a victorious faith. (Robert R. Muir.) Parallel Verses KJV: {To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.} In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?WEB: In Yahweh, I take refuge. How can you say to my soul, "Flee as a bird to your mountain!" |
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