HOLY PSALM OF DAVID (ZABUR) ELEVEN

When King David had to flee his capital due to rebellion, his kingdom was vulnerable to injustice (see end notes).

1 I trust in the Lord (God) for protection. So why do you say to me, “Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety! … 3 The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do?”

David was being urged to flee from his enemies. He was in danger of ambush (v.2), but this fear being put on him by others was not inspired by God’s Spirit.  He rebuffed this suggestion with his strong faith that God is in control.  God is still …

‘… in his holy temple – the Lord still rules from heaven and is watching everyone closely (v.4)!’  5 The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence.

I understand the meaning of ‘examine’ here is that of ‘testing out’.  God’s word is clear: God hates those who love violence!  Those who wage war on others either do so in a restrained and responsible manner as a necessary defence of the defenceless, or they do so with the aggression of those who love violence. David is confident that God will (metaphorically) rain down blazing coals on the wicked because …

7 For the righteous Lord (God) loves justice. The virtuous will see his face.

David here was speaking of true justice not that meted out by violent people who think they have a right to act in God’s name!  God is looking for the ‘righteous’, i.e., those whom God sees as pure in heart (ref. words of Jesus, NT/ Ingil).

A poem from Psalm 11: -

God grant our leaders vision

To see your justice come

That they may rule in righteousness

And we may live in peace!

A prayer: - Lord help our government to uphold equal justice for all our people.

mjk 08/12/17 c. mikereflects