Job 11
Psalm 11 is a psalm of David. It focuses on the threats of wicked people who oppose him and on a confession of faith that flees to God in the midst of them. The psalmist receives the counsel to be afraid and to run away when facing trouble and persecution, but he emphasizes that taking refuge in God is his only hope. The whole psalm can be divided into the reality of the threats (verses 1–3), declarations of trust and certainty (verses 4–6), and a concluding confession of faith (verse 7).
1verseThen Zophar, the Naamathite, answered,
2verse“Shouldn’t the multitude of words be answered? Should a man full of talk be justified?
3verseShould your boastings make men hold their peace? When you mock, will no man make you ashamed?
4verseFor you say, ‘My doctrine is pure. I am clean in your eyes.’
5verseBut oh that God would speak, and open his lips against you,
6versethat he would show you the secrets of wisdom! For true wisdom has two sides. Know therefore that God exacts of you less than your iniquity deserves.
7verse“Can you fathom the mystery of God? Or can you probe the limits of the Almighty?
8verseThey are high as heaven. What can you do? They are deeper than Sheol. What can you know?
9verseIts measure is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.
10verseIf he passes by, or confines, or convenes a court, then who can oppose him?
11verseFor he knows false men. He sees iniquity also, even though he doesn’t consider it.
12verseAn empty-headed man becomes wise when a man is born as a wild donkey’s colt.
13verse“If you set your heart aright, stretch out your hands toward him.
14verseIf iniquity is in your hand, put it far away. Don’t let unrighteousness dwell in your tents.
15verseSurely then you will lift up your face without spot. Yes, you will be steadfast, and will not fear,
16versefor you will forget your misery. You will remember it like waters that have passed away.
17verseLife will be clearer than the noonday. Though there is darkness, it will be as the morning.
18verseYou will be secure, because there is hope. Yes, you will search, and will take your rest in safety.
19verseAlso you will lie down, and no one will make you afraid. Yes, many will court your favor.
20verseBut the eyes of the wicked will fail. They will have no way to flee. Their hope will be the giving up of the spirit.”
Flow of the Passage
- Verses 1–3: Threats from the wicked and advice to flee
- Verses 4–6: Certainty that God rules over the world and judges the wicked
- Verse 7: A declaration of blessing for those who rely on God
Overall Meaning and Message
The psalmist shows human weakness—people are easily shaken amid the world’s injustice and chaos—but even so, he emphasizes an attitude of faith that looks to God rather than to the threats right before us. The central message of the entire psalm is that God is still seated on His throne, examines both the righteous and the wicked, and ultimately gives grace to the righteous and judgment to the wicked.
Meditation Points
- When faced with crisis and fear, who do we rely on?
- How does my belief that God is alive and rules even now affect my choices and actions?
- Let’s pay attention to the psalmist’s confidence in God’s judgment and justice.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- In difficult situations or unjust realities, don’t easily give up, and don’t just follow people’s advice. Instead, develop a heart that comes to God to seek help
- Practice in daily life the habit of seeking God’s eyes and will first
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