Psalm 11
Sunday, December 14
Rev. Bruce McGee
Lesson Title: The Answer of Faith to the Advice of Fear
Author of Psalm 11: David. This Psalm records well-intentioned, but faithless advice of David's friends when
he was a fugitive from King Saul. David lifts his eyes to the Lord to find faith in a time of testing. He knew the
safest place to stand was in radical trust in God.
Written: 1062 B.C. The probable occasion is when David was advised to flee to the mountains from Saul.
Type: Thanksgiving (song of trust)
Inspirational Quote: “The more we depend on God, the more dependable we find he is.” Anonymous
A. The advice of fear.
a. (vs. 1) David reacts to the advice to flee.
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So, he reacts with near outrage: In the LORD I take refuge. How can you say to me,
"Flee like a bird to your mountain?" No matter how well intentioned his friends are, they
are giving him the advice of fear. The advice of fear didn’t mix well with the position of trust
David had in the LORD. David would rather dare the danger than exhibit a distrust in the
Lord his God.
b. (vs. 2-3) David remembers the words of fear in the mouths of his friends.
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The advice given to David is well meant, but ungodly. It is like when Peter advised Jesus to
not go the way of the cross (Matthew 16:22-23). Peter meant well, but he was really being
used by the devil!
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We must always be careful with the advice we give to others.
 First, we must always mind our own business and not be busybodies (1
Thessalonians 4:11, 1 Timothy 5:13).
 Second, we can be too confident in our own perception of a situation. Job's
friend confidently said "I will tell you, hear me; what I have seen I will declare"
(Job 15:17), but he was wrong. Our motive is good and right, but the advice is
wrong.
Manipulation is never right, even if it is for a good cause.
B. The answer of faith.
a. (vs. 4a) David answers by remembering where God is.
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The LORD is in His holy temple: probably, David has in mind both the LORD's temple on
earth (the tabernacle) and the LORD's temple in heaven. David is reminding himself and his
friends, "God hasn't gone anywhere. You can go to His temple and meet with Him." He may
also have the thought, "The LORD isn't going anywhere, so I won't either."
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b. (vs. 4b-5) David answers by remembering what God sees.
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He observes everyone on earth: David doesn't need to take the advice of fear, because
God sees his situation. David can have a greater cause than self-preservation. He doesn’t
have to worry about sustaining himself or keeping himself safe because he knows that God
is looking at him and taking care of him.
c. (vs. 6) David answers by remembering the destiny of the wicked.
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A scorching wind will be their lot: some translations use the word “cup” here. The image
of the cup as a container of judgment reminds us of Jesus' prayer in the garden: O My
Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will
(Matthew 26:39). The cup Jesus dreaded was the cup that contained the wrath of God
against sin; wrath that we deserved, but Jesus drank for us. The NIV says the scorching
wind will be their lot- referring to their final fate.
d. (vs. 7) David answers by remembering the love and favor of God.
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For the LORD is righteous: this was a comfort and encouragement to David. When we are
rebelling against the LORD, His righteousness is no comfort to us. But David knew he was
the innocent victim of persecution, and he knew the righteous LORD would take up his
cause.
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The upright will see his face: scholars and translators debate if this means "God's upright
people see Him" or "the LORD sees His upright people." Most modern translations think it
speaks of God's people seeing Him: Upright men will see his face (NIV), The upright will
behold His face (NASB),The godly shall see his face (LB). However, it really doesn't matter,
because both are true.
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God shines His face on His people. In fact, the last line of the priestly blessing of
Numbers 6:26 is, The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.
God's people will see Him. I will see Your face in righteousness (Psalm 17:15).
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God (Matthew 5:8). In fact, the
desire to behold God is one of the greatest motivations to an upright life and heart.
All in all, when David considers the greatness of God, the care of God, and the vision of God, it all outweighs
the danger. For David, trusting God was the safest move of all. His friends may or may not have meant well,
but David would not receive their advice of fear. Instead, he would answer with faith.
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