Psalm 11

David begins this Psalm with a statement he's made many times:
"In the Lord I take refuge."       A simple, strong statement of where he stands, Whose he is  amid so much trouble.

It is as if I were to say, when there is a storm approaching outside on a summer afternoon, "I am going in the house now."    There, I'd find shelter from the wind, rain, and lightning.

There's a storm brewing in David's world.  Probably not brewing, but raging full force.  We aren't told of the specific occasion for this particular Psalm, but we know David's life was filled with turmoil from without.  His brothers belittled him; Saul hated him and tried to kill him;  Absalom tried to overthrow his kingdom;  he knew God's judgement over him for his grave sin of adultry and murder; he lost children, both in infancy and as adults; and he faced attacks from outside his kingdom.

And in the middle of that storm, he is told by the faint of heart to flee.  "Fly like a bird, David!  Because they're coming! And they are prepared to take down your kingdom!"

The study notes in my Reformation Study Bible indicate that the point is, that if the foundations of the (political) kingdom are destroyed, (i.e. military, economy, etc.) what can you do ?  Even if you are a righteous man?

David isn't rattled by the threat.  He isn't wishy-washy about his stance.  He doesn't listen to bad counsel.

No, but instead he notes that his God is enthroned on High.  He sits in His holy temple watching the ways of men.  And not just watching, but weighing the motives of the heart.

He will judge.  No doubt about it.  David uses cataclysmic language to describe their judgement, indicating that it will be swift, sure, horrible and final.

The judgement of God will be the "final portion of their cup."  In spite of their arrogance in Psalm 9 and 10, stating that there is no God, or that He doesn't see, or won't take action against them.

Again, the study notes in my Bible point out the 2 cups of Scripture.  The cup of God's wrath against sin, or the cup of blessing for the upright, righteous who obey Him and put their trust in Him.


"All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23.  Yes.  

Christ became obedient unto death.....counting it nothing to be made like us, so that He could become the perfect High Priest, Sacrifice to take our sins away once and for all, and Mediator between those who believe and God.  He bore the wrath of God's judgement for my sin on the cross.   And because he cried, "my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"     I won't have to.  

My heart is overwhelmed with gratitude and brokenness that He did this for me.