Psalm 11:1 - In the LORD I Take Refuge
For the choirmaster.
This phrase indicates that the psalm was intended for public worship and was to be directed by the choirmaster, a leader of music in the temple. The role of the choirmaster was significant in ancient Israelite worship, as music was a central part of their religious expression. This title suggests that the psalm was not only a personal reflection but also a communal declaration of faith.
Of David.
David, the second king of Israel, is traditionally credited as the author of this psalm. His life was marked by moments of intense personal struggle and reliance on God, making him a fitting author for a psalm about seeking refuge in the Lord. David's experiences, such as fleeing from King Saul, provide a historical backdrop that enriches the understanding of this psalm.
In the LORD I take refuge.
This declaration of trust in God as a refuge is a central theme in the Psalms. The concept of God as a refuge is rooted in the ancient Near Eastern understanding of divine protection. In times of danger, people sought physical refuge in fortified cities or mountains, but David emphasizes spiritual refuge in God. This phrase connects to other scriptures, such as Psalm 46:1, which also speaks of God as a refuge and strength.
How then can you say to me:
This rhetorical question introduces a dialogue or internal conflict. It reflects a challenge to David's faith, possibly from his advisors or inner thoughts. The question underscores the tension between human advice and divine trust, a common theme in biblical narratives.
“Flee like a bird to your mountain!
The imagery of a bird fleeing to a mountain suggests a natural instinct to escape danger. In biblical times, mountains were seen as places of safety and isolation. This phrase may allude to David's own experiences of fleeing to the wilderness or mountains during times of persecution, such as when he hid from Saul in the caves of En Gedi. The advice to flee contrasts with David's declaration of trust in God, highlighting the tension between fear and faith.
Persons / Places / Events
1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of this psalm, David often faced threats and challenges, leading him to seek refuge in God.
2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, representing His faithfulness and protection for those who trust in Him.
3. The Mountain
Symbolic of a place of escape or safety, often used in the Psalms to represent a physical or metaphorical place of refuge.
4. The Bird
Represents vulnerability and the instinct to flee from danger, highlighting the contrast between human fear and divine trust.
5. Advisors/Counselors
Those who suggest fleeing, representing voices of fear and doubt that challenge faith in God's protection.
Teaching Points
Trust in God's Protection
Believers are called to place their trust in God as their ultimate refuge, rather than relying on human strategies or fleeing from challenges.
Discernment of Counsel
It is important to discern the voices we listen to, ensuring that our decisions are guided by faith rather than fear.
Faith Over Fear
In times of crisis, choosing faith over fear is a testament to our belief in God's sovereignty and care.
God as Our Refuge
Understanding God as a refuge means recognizing His presence and protection in every circumstance, providing peace amidst turmoil.
Living Out Our Faith
Our actions should reflect our trust in God, demonstrating to others the peace and security found in Him.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 11Who gives His angels charge over you?Should we escape to the mountains for safety?How do these prophecies in Isaiah 11 compare with other biblical texts that seem to describe different scenarios for the Messiah and end times?If Psalm 11:4 says God's throne is in heaven, how does this align with modern understanding of the cosmos and space travel?
(1) Put I my trust.--Better, as in Psalm 7:1, I find my refuge.
Flee as a bird.--Literally, flee ye a bird. The plural verb, with the singular noun, offers a difficulty which is not obviated by the reading which changes the verb to the singular, since your mountain has the plural suffix. We may supply the sign of comparison, as elsewhere sometimes omitted (Psalm 22:14); "flee ye like a bird;" or we may, with Ewald, take the noun as collective--a flock of birds. The idea of trepidation is conveyed in the original by the verb, which suggests the hurried flap of wings. Dr. Thomson, in The Land and the Book, finds in the habits of the dove an illustration of the passage; and compares Psalm 55:6, "Oh that I had wings as a dove!"
Verse 1. - In the Lord put I my trust; or, in the Lord have I taken refuge (Kay, Cheyne). Before his friends address him on the subject of his danger, David has himself recognized it, and has fled to God for succour. How say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain? rather, flee ye, birds, to your mountain. Probably a proverbial expression, used when it was necessary to warn a man that in flight lay his only safety. The singular (צִפור) is used collectively. Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
For the choirmaster.
לַמְנַצֵּ֗חַ (lam·naṣ·ṣê·aḥ)
Preposition-l, Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5329: To glitter from afar, to be eminent, to be permanent
Of David.
לְדָ֫וִ֥ד (lə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse
In the LORD
בַּֽיהוָ֨ה ׀ (Yah·weh)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel
I take refuge.
חָסִ֗יתִי (ḥā·sî·ṯî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 2620: To flee for, protection, to confide in
So how
אֵ֭יךְ (’êḵ)
Interjection
Strong's 349: How?, how!, where
can you say
תֹּאמְר֣וּ (tō·mə·rū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say
to me,
לְנַפְשִׁ֑י (lə·nap̄·šî)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion
“Flee
נ֝֗וּדִי (nū·ḏî)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - feminine singular
Strong's 5110: To nod, waver, to wander, flee, disappear, to console, deplore, taunt
to your mountain
הַרְכֶ֥ם (har·ḵem)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country
like a bird!
צִפּֽוֹר׃ (ṣip·pō·wr)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 6833: A little bird
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Psalm 11:1 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Psalm 11:1 For the Chief Musician (Psalm Ps Psa.)