Scripture Daily

Context No. 3082 of 4322 · Psalms

Context · Reflection

Psalms 11:1-7: in context

1In the LORD, I take refuge. How can you say to my soul, “Flee as a bird to your mountain”? 2For, behold, the wicked bend their bows. They set their arrows on the strings, that they may shoot in darkness at the upright in heart. 3If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? 4The LORD is in his holy temple. The LORD is on his throne in heaven. His eyes observe. His eyes examine the children of men. 5The LORD examines the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and him who loves violence. 6On the wicked he will rain blazing coals; fire, sulfur, and scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup. 7For the LORD is righteous. He loves righteousness. The upright shall see his face.

In the LORD I take refuge, the psalm begins; so how can you say to me, flee like a bird to the mountains? The wicked bend their bows to shoot in the dark at the upright, and the question rises: if the foundations themselves are destroyed, what can the righteous do? It sounds like the collapse of everything that holds justice in place.

The psalm answers fear and despair with the throne of God. When advisers urge flight, and it seems the very foundations of justice are crumbling, the psalmist does not run. His answer is simple and steadying: the LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD's throne is in heaven. Whatever collapses on earth, God still reigns, still sees, still tests hearts, still loves righteousness. The steadying truth in a time of collapse is not that things are fine, but that God is still on his throne, and the upright will yet see his face.

When the foundations seem to be crumbling around me, do I flee in fear, or steady myself on the truth that the LORD is still on his throne?

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