FOR THE LOVE OF GOD

Scripture Reference: Psalm 11-12

Psalm 12 has a simple A-B-A or chiastic pattern.¹ The first section (verses 1-4), dramatically states no one remains who is faithful to the Lord. The second section (verses 5-7), shows that in a world where others are untrustworthy, one can always trust in the Word of God. The third section (verse 8), returns to describing the wickedness of the human race mirroring verses 1-4. When employing this A-B-A or chiastic structure, the writer is emphasizing the message of the central section. One can think of it as “the central idea” or “the heart of the matter.” Therefore, David’s central message is that when the majority have become unfaithful to the Lord, continue to trust in God’s Word.

The psalm begins with a cry for help because it appears the upright in heart have disappeared. Verses 1-4 describe the disloyalty of the human race. They are deceptive flatterers using manipulative words to their own sordid ends. They are proud of their ability to exploit others with their persuasive words. But David emphatically states their words are empty. Nevertheless, verse 5a describes the effects of these words causing “the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy.” It is for this reason that David indignantly prayed that the deceivers would be “cut off,” meaning removed or destroyed. In its conclusion, Psalm 12 reiterates the activities of the wicked as they exalt that which is worthless, meaning, that which is vile and shameful.

Where does one find hope in such a godless society? In the Word of God. The Lord says He will rise up and save those who long for God, taking action on their behalf. Then David states how trustworthy God’s Word is in contrast to the empty words of the flatterers mentioned above. God’s Word is completely “pure,” without any imperfection. In the Bible, the number seven often denotes completion and perfection. Here, David is saying God’s Word is perfect in every way. Therefore, since God’s Word is perfect, David knows he can wholly trust it. He is able to assert that God will keep and protect His people forever. David knows so because God’s Word says so.

Keeping the faith can be difficult when much of what we see around us is increasing moral decay and decreasing faithfulness to the Lord. Our perspective can easily become skewed and even a bit jaded. It is for this reason we must not underestimate the importance of the daily intake and meditation of the Word of God. Instead of listening to the empty lies of this world, we desperately need the perfect Word of God to remind us of the truth. Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

¹ Chiastic Pattern or structure – Chiastic structure – Wikipedia
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture Reference: Psalm 11-12

It is difficult to know in what particular circumstance David was in when he wrote Psalms 11 and 12, and their focus within the context of laments, pleadings for God’s help, is a little different from the other psalms. In these two psalms David not only focuses on the wicked as he has in preceding psalms but also on those who may have been his so-called friends and the effect they had on him during his time of difficulty. In Psalm 11, they suggest that the only thing the righteous can do when oppressed by the wicked is run away, and in Psalm 12, they apparently took their own advice and fled themselves. However, Psalms 11 and 12 promote faith in God Almighty: have faith in the Lord God when tempted to lose faith, and have faith in His Word when all others appear to have lost their faith and abandon you.

Psalm 11 begins with David’s declaration of faith in the Lord in response to the advice he received to run away from the threats of the wicked. David’s statement is emphatic. In Hebrew, a way of expressing something emphatically is to put the object first, so here it is literally object-subject-verb: “In the Lord I put my trust!” David’s emphasis was first and foremost on the Lord. Consequently, his response to the suggestion to flee was one of consternation. Their suggestion made no sense. There is no safer refuge than the Lord Himself in times of trouble.

When one’s focus is off of the Almighty and focused on the threat instead, one is sure to lose hope. The wicked were armed and ready to attack from the shadows. The idea is that the attack could come suddenly at any moment from any direction. The situation was grim and seemingly indefensible, and fleeing to the mountains like a bird made sense. Verse 2 also reveals that this attack was focused on “the upright in heart.” To be upright literally means to be straight, the opposite of crooked. The wicked, those who are crooked, were set to attack the straight, the upright in heart who trusted and served the Lord God.

With all this description of the situation, David’s declaration at the beginning of the psalm, is in response to the pessimistic and defeatist question voiced in verse 3: “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” In other words, they were asking, “When worldliness and lawlessness run amok and every foundation for righteousness in society has been thrown down, what can good people do?” The implied answer is that they can do nothing but run away. Therefore, because their focus was on the trouble and not on the Lord, they arrived to this wrong conclusion. David gave them the correct answer: “put your trust in the Lord!” He is the only sure foundation.

In verses 4-7, David provides logical reasons for trusting in the Lord:

1) The Lord reigns over all and sees everything that happens. He is intimately aware of what every person is doing, and he is not shaken by any of it.

2) The Lord examines or tests the righteous. He is especially interested in how the righteous respond to difficulties. Will they respond in faith or despair?

3) The Lord completely rejects the wicked. Fire connotes complete destruction. So, God will ultimately put an end to evil, and so David poetically prayed what he knew to be the will of God.

4) The Lord is righteous, so one can expect Him to do what is right. And,

5) the upright will see the Lord act on their behalf, but more importantly some day they will see His face.

To Be Continued

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.