Notes for Teacher/Facilitator
Psalm 11 has four major changes of perspective: v.1a is the opening statement by the psalmist; vv.1b-3 is the response from a person who wants to push back against the psalmist’s perspective; vv.4-6 is the psalmist’s rebuttal; and v.7 is the reason for the psalmist’s confidence in his position. The context that this dialogue occurs within is one of life-threatening danger for the psalmist (and perhaps others). Enemies are descending upon the psalmist (v.2) and the entire foundations of society are being shaken (v.3). The basic point of this psalm is this: when there is a major threat against a member of God’s family, God can be trusted because he is sovereign, righteous, just, and present.
Word Studies
Here are a few notes about particular words in this psalm:
- Take refuge (chasah) – v.1: In times of danger people need a sense of safety, which is what this characteristic word in the Psalms connotes. Wise people, those centered on God, seek to take shelter under the protective care of their Father.
- Upright (yashar) – v2: This word literally means “straight.” Figuratively it is an adjective that describes the life of those who seek to follow the wise ways of God. In this psalm the upright are opposed by the wicked, thus this word also carries with it the idea of morality.
- Wicked (rasha) – v.2, 6: In this psalm the wicked are those who oppose and attack the righteous and the upright. This adjective means something like “guilty of committing a crime” or “deserving of punishment.” In the Psalms this word is very often used of those who are hostile against God and/or his people, as well as those who sin against God and/or other humans.
- Righteous (tsaddiq) – v.3, 5: In this psalm the righteous are also called “upright in heart” and they are set against the “wicked.” This word can be translated as “just” or “righteous” and as such it carries with it the pursuit of communal equity (justice) and individual morality (righteousness). Both are expected and demonstrated by the one who is tsaddiq.
- Examine (bachan) – vv.4-5: This word can be translated at “test,” “prove,” “examine,” or “try.” The one engaging in this action (God in this psalm) is carefully scrutinizing the object (in this psalm, everyone and the righteous). This word is used of testing gold, as in Zechariah 13.9. It means much more than to simply “look upon”!
- Justice (tsedeaqah) – v.7: An alternate form and synonym of the word tsaddiq. Means both individually doing what is right and pursuing equity (i.e., that which is just) for others.
Introduction
- Open your class/community time with prayer. Ask the Spirit of God to reveal himself to all of you through the Scriptures and through your discussion together.
- Discuss last week’s challenge and encourage people to share how the challenge went for them.
- • Have the class go through the following exercise: Have them define the words “righteousness” and “justice.” Write down the results. Is there any overlap? Discuss that in Hebrew, the language of the Old Testament, “righteousness” and “justice” are synonyms. Furthermore, right-living, which is usually associated with “righteousness,” should always lead to justice and seeking justice should always be done in ways that display righteousness.
Bible Questions
- The psalmist declares that he takes refuge in the Lord. Being honest, in what or whom are we tempted to find refuge other than God? What’s so appealing about these alternate refuges?
- In the face of a significant threat (see verse 1b-3), the psalmist remains utterly confident in the Lord. How do you think he could remain confident in the face of danger? What can we learn from his confidence?
- What does it mean to state with assurance that God is in his temple and on his throne?
- Is it comforting or disconcerting that God is watching us and examining us?
- In verse 5 the psalmist equates the wicked with those who love violence. What do you think about this? What makes loving violence so wicked?
- The psalmist tells us in verse 7 that the Lord is righteous and that he loves justice. What does that say about what our relationship with righteousness and justice should be?
Discussion Questions
- After reading, studying, and meditating on this psalm, is there anything that you learned about God in it that causes you to want to love and adore him more? If so, what? If not, why not?
- Beginning in verse 1b and continuing through verse 3, the psalmist quotes some unhelpful words from someone who is challenging his faith in God. What are some more helpful ways that we can be there for one another when we face real threats and challenges in life?
- If we seek to emulate the Lord, who is righteous and loves justice (verse 7), how then will those who have yet to follow Jesus view us? Is the way they view us important? Why or why not?
Takeaway
The Lord is in control, no matter how crazy our circumstances or this world may be!
Challenge
Name an injustice in your life or the world. Pray and ask God to use you to be part of the solution!