Developing unshakable faith in times of adversity is the central message of Psalm 11. Each of us has at least once found ourselves in a situation where the advice of those around us seemed useless or even harmful. “Run away,” “Hide in the mountains,” “Fly away like a bird” – such words David heard from those close to him. But what should one do when an inner voice says otherwise? The eleventh psalm reveals the depth of this dilemma and offers an unexpected solution.
Unshakable Faith When the World Advises Flight
“To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. In the Lord I put my trust: how say ye to my soul, ‘Flee as a bird to your mountain’?”
David begins with a declaration of his unshakable faith. He doesn’t simply believe in God – he has found refuge in Him. Notably, the Hebrew word “hasiti” (I trust) has a shade of active meaning – “I have taken shelter.” This is not theoretical faith, but a practical choice.
The first verse contains a tense contrast between David’s faith and the advice of those around him. They suggest he “fly to the mountain,” symbolizing escape from problems. According to Rashi’s commentary, this refers to David’s exile from the Holy Land. Like a bird that has left its nest, the exile loses part of his identity.
The Tactics of the Wicked: Testing Your Unshakable Faith
“For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart.”
The second verse paints a vivid picture of threat. The wicked are not just armed – they are ready to attack. The image of an archer drawing his bowstring emphasizes the tension of the situation.
Rashi indicates that “the wicked” here refers to Doeg and the informers of that generation who sowed enmity between David and Saul. Their weapons are not only arrows but also their tongues, capable of wounding deeper than any sword.
What makes them especially dangerous is that they shoot “in darkness” – they act secretly, from ambush. Their target is “the upright in heart,” meaning David and the priests of Nob who were killed due to Doeg’s slander.
When Foundations Are Destroyed
“If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?”
The third verse contains a profound philosophical question. The word “shatot” (foundations) refers to the fundamental principles and structures of society. Rashi explains that it refers to the righteous priests killed because of slander – they were the “foundation of the world.”
The question “what can the righteous do?” sounds rhetorical but contains a deep thought: when social foundations crumble, even the most righteous people seem powerless. However, the following verses offer an unexpected answer that reinforces the importance of unshakable faith.
The Invisible Observer: God on His Throne
“The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.”
The fourth verse shifts attention from earthly problems to heavenly reality. Despite the chaos below, there is order above. God sits on His throne and observes what is happening.
The image of God’s “eyelids” (afapav) testing people emphasizes the attentiveness of the divine gaze. Nothing is hidden from Him – even those shooting in darkness are under His observation.
Building Unshakable Faith Through Tests
“The Lord trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.”
The fifth verse explains the paradox of the righteous person’s suffering. Rashi provides an analogy with a flax worker: good flax he beats harder to make it even better, while the bad flax he spares because it might tear.
Trials are not a sign of being abandoned by God but, on the contrary, proof of His special attention and a way to build unshakable faith. At the same time, “the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth” – this is the strongest expression of divine rejection of evil.
Retribution: A Rain of Fire
“Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and a burning wind: this shall be the portion of their cup.”
The sixth verse describes retribution. The images of fire, brimstone, and burning wind allude to the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, emphasizing the inevitability and power of divine judgment.
Interesting is the phrase “the portion of their cup” – a metaphor for fate or destiny that everyone must “drink” to the dregs. This cup is filled not with wine but with burning coals, fire, and brimstone.
Final Assertion: Righteousness Triumphs
“For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.”
The final verse returns us to the main theme – God’s righteousness and His special relationship with the righteous. The phrase “his countenance doth behold the upright” indicates the closeness and intimacy of this relationship.
The psalm ends on a positive note: despite temporary difficulties, the ultimate triumph of righteousness is guaranteed by the very nature of God, who “loveth righteousness” – a powerful reminder of why unshakable faith is justified.
Practical Application of Psalm 11
Psalm 11 is especially relevant for those facing unjust accusations, slander, or persecution. Its main lessons for developing unshakable faith are:
- Trust in God, even when everyone advises you to flee
- Remember that trials are a sign of God’s care, not abandonment
- Believe in the ultimate triumph of justice
- Don’t allow slander to destroy your “foundations”
This psalm can be read as a prayer during periods of faith crisis, when it seems that evil is triumphant and the foundations of righteous living are crumbling.
Source: Tehillim (Psalms) – Chapter 11 with Rashi’s commentary.
Afterword: The text of this article has not been approved by any sage, Torah scholar, or rabbi and is merely a simplified adaptation of the sacred text for general understanding. For comprehension of true wisdom and a deeper understanding of the original text, you should refer to the sources.
This and all other article texts of the Mega-Charity.Org resource express only the personal opinions of the authors who compiled them. They are intended only for general and superficial understanding of the real sources of wisdom. References to which are provided.
