FLEE AS A BIRD TO THE MOUNTAIN

Psalm 11 begins with a piece of conventional wisdom, ‘Flee as a bird to the mountain’, v. 1. This expressive word-picture con­jures up the flight of a winged fugitive seeking shelter in a remote citadel of stone. In light of the frequent persecutions that David faced, as well as the multitudinous dangers that prevail in this sinful world, this seems like sound advice. The old adage asserts that ‘discretion is the better part of valour’. Another well-known maxim says that ‘it is better to run away to fight another day’. However, homespun philosophy like this fails to consider the opening proposition of the song, ‘In the Lord put I my trust’, v. 1.

Though he was encircled by fearsome enemies, David placed his confidence completely in the hands of the God of Israel. His trust was not misplaced, for his defender is both all-knowing and all-powerful. The evildoer’s plot is dramatically described in verses 2, 3. They have their bows secretly aimed at David, and the danger is cogently expressed in the question, ‘If the founda­tions be destroyed, what can the righteous do?’ v. 3. This implies that the enemy was at the gates and the defences were under­mined. If the Israelite king’s hopes were focused on man-made fortifications then he would have despaired. He did not fear, however, for the Lord was his actual foundation; thus his defences were impregnable. Since the Lord and His throne are located in the unassailable sanctuary of heaven, David pos­sessed complete security. The king’s safety lay not in a hasty escape devised by his wisdom and carried out by his ability; rather he was protected by Almighty God’s exalted position.

Today, the same spiritual protection is extended to those who have a righteous standing before God in Christ, Rom. 8. 28-39. In addition, the Lord’s eyes perfectly view men and their hearts. He loves the righteous, but despises ‘the wicked and him that loveth violence’, v. 5. He will judge all evil some day, John 5. 25-30; Acts 17. 31; Rev. 20. 11-15. The only way of escape is found in the Lord Jesus ‘who is made unto us wisdom, and righteous­ness, and sanctification, and redemption’, 1 Cor. 1. 30. The Christian is eternally secure through the Person of Christ.