Psalms 11:1-12:8

11:1 | As a life principle, David sought refuge from his enemies in the Lord, his stronghold. His counselors urged him to flee as a bird to your mountain – to run and hide – but he refused, regarding the Lord as a much more secure refuge than any human fortress.

11:3 | Foundations is a metaphor for the order of society – the established institutions, the social and civil order of the community. David’s fainthearted counselors believed the very cornerstones of their nation were in jeopardy, namely, the Mosaic Law and other institutions of the faith. Many people wonder similarly today when cherished values are attacked. But the Lord calls every believer to do what can be done in his or her sphere of influence.

11:4-6 | God sees what happens in the world, and He will act – He will test the righteous, but the wicked will be dealt with more severely, through the heaping of fire and brimstone upon them. (34:15-16; Ezek. 38:22). The statement that God hates such people refers to God’s intense rejection of them rather than an emotion (Mal. 1:2-3).

12:6 | The psalmist contrasts the vain words of people with the pure words of the Lord. God’s words are like silver that is passed through fire seven times when the greatest possible purity is desired. The dross in consumed, and only the bright, precious meal remains. In the same way, God’s words are free from all error and unfaithfulness.