Psalm 11. This is a Psalm of David, and the historical occasion may well have been right around the rebellion of Absalom, when the conspiracy was rising (2 Sam. 15), just before David made the decision to flee Jerusalem. In Psalm 11 David is still resolved not to flee to the mountain (v.1). Prophetically, this mirrors the sentiments of the remnant at the middle of the prophetic week. Beginning in Psalm 11 and running through Psalm 15 we have the experiences of the faithful remnant in the great tribulation.

 

 

v.1 Trust in Jehovah. The Psalm begins with a statement of trust in Jehovah, and an incredulous question; “how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?”. Historically, it could be that some were advising David to flee, but he did not want to. Prophetically, after antichrist has seized power, but before the abomination of desolations is set up, the remnant will cling to the temple. But afterward, most will indeed flee to the mountains (Matt. 24:15-16), perhaps instructed to do so by the Lord. There is another view of these verses, that they pertain to that portion of the remnant which does not flee, but rather remains in Jerusalem to witness for Jehovah. This group, pictured by the “two witnesses” of Revelation 11, continue for 42 months (three and a half years), then are martyred by the followers of the Beast, and then raised and caught up just prior to the appearing. Like the Lord, they do not flee in the face of persecution, even when warned that Herod would kill Him (see Luke 13:31-33). He had a mission from the Father, and knew that He was invincible until three days were accomplished.

 

 

vv.2-4 The foundations. Although the wicked appear to be on the attack, with their bows bent and their arrows already on the string, the faithful view Jehovah as still in His temple. This is a “foundation” for their soul; i.e. they view Him as in control. Everything will be okay because the Lord is still in His temple. They do not yet understand the seriousness of Jehovah’s controversy with Israel, nor suppose that a time will come when Messiah Himself warns them to flee. But they confess that there would be no hope for the righteous if the foundations were destroyed; i.e. if God were no longer in control. Such a thing would be like the foundation of a house being destroyed; “what shall the righteous do?”. There is a note of despair. Such a situation would be hopeless, but it is not hopeless. They acknowledge that Jehovah’s true throne “is in the heavens”, from whence He beholds men, searching out the thoughts of the children of men. Anything vital is held in God’s hand. Soon the remnant will have no temple to see with their eyes, and they will need to see with eyes of faith.

 

 

vv.5-6 The character of Jehovah known to faith. The faithful grasp the character of the tribulation they’re enduring. To the righteous it is a trial of faith, but to the wicked it is the outpouring of Jehovah’s hatred. Ultimately the wicked will be judged, falling under a rain of fire and brimstone. But because Jehovah is righteous, He loves those who are righteous, and ultimately His face will shine on the faithful remnant. This is their hope! The term “the wicked” here is in the singular in Hebrew, and it might again be a reference to antichrist.