Bows and Arrows – Psalm 11
This psalm is interesting because it uses competing terms. It starts on an offbeat as there is no introduction to the conversation he is having with God. It may indeed be a continuation of the preceding one where he asks God to intervene. God tells David to “flee as a bird to your mountain”. “How can I do that?”, David answers, “The wicked will shoot me down!” He uses word pictures of bows and arrows, instruments of war and hunting that he knows well.
Bows and Arrows
Throughout the Psalms, he uses these picture tools in both positive and negative ways. In this passage, it refers to the wicked ending his life, though curiously, the passage after verse two no longer refers to him directly. It is an interesting technique, which was seen before and will be again. He talks about his good traits but never comes out directly and calls himself righteous. Maybe he hopes God will notice and give him credit. He uses the word pictures of bows and arrows in a positive way, such as in Psalm 127:4, 5. He describes a noble father blessed by having children, a quiver full. One can then read either word picture and understand David’s meaning.
After that break in thought, he contrasts the wicked with the righteous. He makes a strong point that God’s preference is the righteous. It is again curious that in the passages reviewed, there is never a suggestion of conversion and salvation for the wicked. One could assume that it was not an option from his viewpoint. He was in such a bad state because of them. Another thought is that the wicked themselves had given up on an opportunity to repent.
This second view is more consistent throughout Scripture. God wants “all men to be saved (I Timothy 2:3,4)”. Jesus died to save all (John 3:16, 17). It appears though, that after this offer of forgiveness, once one is “labeled” as wicked, the case is closed.
Prayer
Holy God, please save us when You come. Help us decide today and each day to stand on the side of righteousness. You gave us grace and mercy, please give us strength and courage to decide for You. We ask this in Jesus’ name, amen.
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