Psalm 11:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?"

NIV: When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?"

NASB: If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do?'

CSB: When the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?"

NLT: The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do?'

KJV: If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?

NKJV: If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do?

This verse is often cited when referring to the collapse of godly authority. The Hebrew phrasing here can be taken in more than one way. This is most often translated as asking "if—or when—this happens, what can good people then do?" Another possibility is to render this as asking "…what have good people accomplished?" In either case, this verse warns of catastrophic results when fundamental principles are destroyed. In David's immediate case, this refers to his role as Israel's king and the consequences of abandoning that role. In a more general sense, it speaks to the ruin a society will face when the most basic aspects of godliness are removed.

David knew what would happen if the enemy triumphed. Because he was Israel's king, if the enemy succeeded, the nation's very foundations would be destroyed. Law and order grounded in righteousness and justice, under the headship of the godly king, would crumble. Evil and chaos would ensue. What could the righteous do in such a situation? Of course, David believed he would prevail. He was sure that law and order would continue. His trust was in the Lord (Psalm 11:4), therefore he was confident the enemy would not triumph.

Years later, God allowed Babylon to carry Israel into captivity because of her idolatry and neglect of the Sabbath. In both a symbolic and literal sense, the foundations were destroyed—including the demolition of the temple from its cornerstones. But in his perfect timing, God raised up Ezra to return to Jerusalem and lay the foundation (Ezra 3). If doctrinal error destroys a church's foundation of truth, believers must restore the foundation before any healing can happen. Congregations must heed the Lord's admonitions to be and do what He desires (Revelation 2—3).

Psalm 11:1–3 addresses David's temptation to run from his enemies. This suggestion either comes from his advisors or his own fears. His urge is to flee quickly for safety to the mountains because his enemies are well armed and ready to kill him. However, David testifies that the Lord provides his protection. He refuses to allow the nation to suffer the devastating loss of its king. This establishes the psalm's perspective on how the Lord's people should respond to the erosion of godly authority.

David is tempted to run in terror from his enemies, like a frightened bird. Whether this is advice from counselors or simple fear, David refuses to given in. He declares that the Lord is his refuge. The wicked are well-armed and prepared to fight, but David trusts God to keep him safe. In part, David stands firm because he recognizes the consequences if godly authority is removed. The psalm celebrates God's sovereign rule and omniscience, ending with encouragement. The Lord is righteous and loves righteous deeds; someday those who honor Him will see His face.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.