Verse 1

CONTENTS

In the circumstances of evil, from the persecutions of ungodly men, the Psalmist is here represented as reposing in the sure protection of God. Much consolation is found in this security, and the firm reliance of a happy termination to all sorrow.

To the chief Musician. A Psalm of David

Psalms 11:1

A poor timid bird, in times of danger, taketh her flight to the covert; and the Lord's people flee as a cloud, and as doves to the windows, when they take shelter in Jesus. The Lord is a strong tower, the righteous fleeth into it, and is safe. My people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the Lord. And they who are satisfied with Jesus and his righteousness, never seek any other to recommend them.

Verse 2-3

There will be, there must be, persecutions. But Jesus is the foundation of his Church, and that standeth sure.

Verse 4

Reader, it is very true that Jehovah, in his threefold character of person, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, seeth, and knoweth all the concerns of his redeemed, and his eyes are upon them for good. But is there not here a special reference to the eyes of the Mediator? Is it not Jesus as the God-man, who is here spoken of as beholding his people? For here, with a double sweetness of consolation, the people of God may find encouragement in the blessed thought, that the eyes of Jesus, as God in our nature, are always beholding and taking part in all the interests of his redeemed.

Verse 5

This is a verse of no small importance. Though the Lord is not dealing with his redeemed now under the covenant of grace, as he did with Adam in his original state of innocency, to see what improvement his poor fallen creature can make under ordinances or providences; yet is the Lord trying his people, by the graces he imparts to them in the various processes of afflictions and temptations. And this becomes truly profitable, when a child of God is enabled to gather from it more striking evidences of divine love, and more striking proofs of his own weakness and unworthiness.

Verse 6-7

Very awful must be the termination of a life of sin, to whatever age protracted, or however lengthened. Tell ye the righteous it shall be well with him. Woe unto the wicked! it shalt be ill with him. Isaiah 3:11.

Verse 7

REFLECTIONS

How blessed it is, to have a God in Christ to flee unto, and to put our sure trust in, when storms invade the church, or when the enemy comes forward with a high hand. Though a lost encamp against me, said one of old, yet shall not my heart be afraid. And it is here alone, in the well-grounded confidence of salvation by Jesus, that a true believer finds an adequate support for every affliction. And what real, solid, and substantial comfort must every truly regenerate believer who hath Jesus for his hope, and righteousness, and salvation. Reader, how stands the case between God and your soul? Is Jesus your hope, your consolation, your security? Then, and not otherwise, will the soul be borne up, and carried through, all the difficulties of a spiritual conflict: for if God be for us, who can be against us? Jesus, Lord! be thou my everlasting security, my hope, my righteousness, and portion forever.