Psalm 11:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: To the choirmaster. Of David. In the LORD I take refuge; how can you say to my soul, “Flee like a bird to your mountain,

NIV: For the director of music. Of David. In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: 'Flee like a bird to your mountain.

NASB: In the Lord I take refuge; How can you say to my soul, 'Flee as a bird to your mountain?

CSB: I have taken refuge in the Lord. How can you say to me, "Escape to the mountains like a bird!

NLT: I trust in the Lord for protection. So why do you say to me, 'Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety!

KJV: {To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.} In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?

NKJV: {To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.} In the Lord I put my trust; How can you say to my soul, “Flee as a bird to your mountain”?

It's not entirely clear what prompted David to write this passage. Clearly, there is danger at hand, presenting him with the temptation to run away. The image is not of a tactical retreat, but of panic and self-preservation. It's also not obvious if this is advice David was being given by his royal counselors or merely the tempting of his own heart. In either case, the urge is to react to danger like a startled bird: fleeing to a high place.

Depending on when David wrote these words, it might have been Saul and his forces pursuing him (1 Samuel 18:8–9). It may also have been David's rebellious son, Absalom (2 Samuel 15:10–12). David used common sense to escape danger (1 Samuel 19:11–12; 2 Samuel 15:13–17) in dealing with both of those enemies. However, he did not abandon everything in a moment of abject fear. Whether coming from fellow Israelites or his own human nature, the call to "just run" is a natural response to some kinds of danger.

In contrast, David demonstrated a God-empowered response. He declared, "In the LORD I take refuge." Instead of fleeing to the mountains, he chose to flee to the Lord.

Psalm 121 is a song that pilgrims sang as they traveled to Jerusalem to worship. The group's leader affirmed what David knew; namely, the Lord protects His people. The leader exclaimed, "I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?" (Psalm 121:1). The answer comes immediately: "My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth" (Psalm 121:2). The Creator is the believer's most secure refuge.

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.

This psalm is another depiction of David in trouble. It may have been written when he fled from Saul's court and was hiding in the wilderness (Psalm 18). Or David may have written it when his son Absalom was pursuing him (Psalm 3). Whatever the occasion, this psalm expresses David's trust in the Lord as all-knowing and righteous.

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.