Faith's antidote to fear.
This psalm is referred by some to the early struggles of David against the unrelenting jealousy of Saul; by others to the rebellion of Absalom; by others to the general conflict ever waging between the good and the evil powers. The subject of it is "Confidence in the Lord, and his protection even against the mightiest force of the wicked." The two leading ideas are the doctrine of David's friends, and David's own doctrine.
I. SAFETY IN DANGER COULD BE FOUND ONLY IN FLIGHT. (Psalms 11:1-3.) This was the temptation with which his friends assailed him—to abandon the righteous cause by flight. The temptation was plausible:
1. Because his very life was in danger. If anything less had been threatened—reputation or property—it might have been prudent to remain; but "skin for skin," etc.
2. The attack upon his life was secret, and not open. (Psalms 11:2.) He might resist and conquer an open attack; but what can defend us against cunning plots hatched in secret?
3. The greatest social disorder prevailed. (Psalms 11:3.) "What shall the righteous do?" was their plea with him. "You are powerless if you remain." They were in despair, and thought that flight was his only desperate resource. But David's doctrine was—
II. THAT SAFETY WAS FOUND BY TRUSTING TO GOD'S PROTECTIVE CARE. (Psalms 11:4 7.)
1. Trust in God enabled him to stand by the righteous cause; by flight he would abandon it to the wicked. Faith in God gives an unconquerable devotion to the right; flight is unbelief and cowardice. Indolent trust—a trust that does not work and fight in the good cause—is no better than cowardly flight.
2. He trusted in God's overruling power. (Psalms 11:4, Psalms 11:5.) That somehow he would uphold the righteous cause and righteous men; that as long as his throne was in the heavens, they could not be in any lasting peril, whatever appearances might be.
3. He trusted in the retributive providence of God. (Psalms 11:5, Psalms 11:6.) A providence that dealt with the righteous and the wicked; an inward and an outward retributive providence, which rewards and punishes in both spheres.
4. Whatever his outward lot, he trusted that he should one day see God's face. (Psalms 11:7.) That is safety; that is salvation from all danger and all trouble. The highest salvation is of a spiritual kind, not outward and temporal. To see God's face is to stand firmer than the mountains, and to be richer than all the outward universe.—S.
Psalms
Psalms 11 - psalms-11 - worlddic.com