Psalms 11 - Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible

of the Messianic hope in Psalms 2, 20, 28,, 40. The following Pss. are either quoted from or distinctly referred to in NT.: 2, 4, 5, 8, 10, 14, 16, 18, 22, 24, 32, 34, 40, 41. In several instances the NT. writer finds the fulfilment of the OT. passage in Christ. Thus Psalms 2, with its defence of Jehovah's righteous King, of whom He says, 'Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten Thee,' is regarded as descriptive of Christ in Acts 13:33 and Hebrews 1:5; Hebrews 5:5 and Psalms 22, with its pathetic presentment of the suffering Servant of Jehovah, is reported to have been actually quoted by Christ upon the cross (Matthew 27:44; Mark 15:34), and Psalms 22:18 is asserted in John 19:24 to have been literally fulfilled in one of the incidents of His crucifixion.

The moral teaching of this first book of Psalms is simple and emphatic. It rests upon an unswerving belief in the will and power of God to uphold the moral values of life, and mete out punishments and rewards according to personal desert. In whatever circumstances they may be placed, the writers never lose hold of their conviction of the ultimate prosperity of the righteous and destruction of the wicked. Appearances may seem to contradict their faith, but they cling to it all the more strenuously, and insist that in the long run the balance will be redressed. The ideal' character portrayed by them is that of the good man, defamed, wronged, and oppressed by irreligious foes, but holding fast his faith in God, and trusting confidently that, in His own good time, He will deliver him. Sometimes there is a note of joy and thankfulness at the accomplishment of the deliverance; and this leads on to the anticipation of a time when, throughout the whole world, the justice of God will be manifested, and His power felt.

The Ps. is a song of confidence in God, and in the security of the righteous under His protection, notwithstanding the timid counsels of less trustful friends, and the evil devices of the wicked, who are doomed to destruction.

If the foundations be destroyed] if those in high places disregard the first principles of righteousness. This is an argument of unbelief and cowardice. It is suggested that wickedness may be so successful as to make resistance useless.

God is the great Reality whom such pleadings leave out of account.

His holy temple] the heavenly sanctuary.

Try] test, as precious metals are tested.

Trieth] tries and approves. They stand the test.

Snares] Another reading is 'burning coals,' which fits the context better. Fire and brimstone] as in the destruction of Sodom: Genesis 19:24. An horrible tempest] RV 'burning wind,' like the simoom of the desert. Their cup] a common Scripture figure for 'their destiny'; men's experiences in life being like a draught which they have to drink.

RV 'The Lord is righteous: he loveth righteousness.' God's dealings with men reflect His own character. His countenance, etc.] RV 'the upright shall behold His face,' shall be admitted to His favour, as worthy subjects are admitted to the presence of a king: cp. Matthew 5:8.