Psalm 11:1-7 & Psalm 12:1-8
Q.1. Psalm 11:1-7 … What made David remain steadfast amid opposition? How did his view of God order his ways? What was his confidence? – (Ps.11:1-7)
David refused to flee. He remained steadfast in the face of opposition. This was in spite of being aware of the threats of the wicked against the upright of heart (Ps.11:2). He was anchored to the sovereign Lord, because – The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men (Ps.11:4). David had a healthy respect for God’s standards and was confident that God would condemn the wicked – The Lord tests the righteous and the wicked, and the one who loves violence His soul hates. Upon the wicked He will rain snares; Fire and brimstone and burning wind will be the portion of their cup (Ps.11:5-6). David was aware that – If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? (Ps.11:3). He was also convinced that – the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; The upright will behold His face (Ps.11:7). He was determined to uphold those foundations, in order to slow down the progress of evil in his generation.
Q.2. Psalm 12:1-8 … What kept David positive amid a hostile generation? How did the godless operate? What inspired his confidence? – (Ps.12:1-8)
David could have been giving a commentary on today’s world, as he cried to God – Help, Lord, for the godly man ceases to be, for the faithful disappear from among the sons of men (Ps.12:1). Though he made mention of the defenceless, he especially exposed the verbal assault on the saints through gossip, falsehood, slander, and flattery (Ps.12:2-5). Nevertheless, David knew that God would intervene sooner or later, to defend the oppressed. He would not ignore the cries of His children – … Now I will arise,” says the Lord; “I will set him in the safety for which he longs (Ps.12:5). David found a massive contrast between the words of God and those of the wicked – The words of the Lord are pure words; As silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times (Ps.12:6). The wicked may well be applauded by the populace. David waited on God to deliver His people – You, O Lord, will keep them; You will preserve him from this generation forever (Ps.12:7).