Without a firm foundation ∙
If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? – Psalms 11:3
Psalms 17:3-15
3 You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night. You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong. I am determined not to sin in what I say.
4 I have followed your commands, which keep me from following cruel and evil people.
5 My steps have stayed on your path; I have not wavered from following you.
6 I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray.
7 Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways. By your mighty power, you rescue those who seek refuge from their enemies.
8 Guard me as you would guard your own eyes. Hide me in the shadow of your wings.
15 Because I am righteous, I will see you. When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied.
According to legend, Rome was founded in 753 B.C. by Romulus and Remus, twin sons of Mars, the god of war. Romulus became Rome’s first king. In 27 B.C., Augustus became the first emperor of Rome. Augustus’ rule ushered in the Pax Romana, which resulted in two centuries of peace and prosperity. A vast, powerful empire flourished.
Despite its long and tumultuous history, the Roman Empire ultimately fell due to its own excesses and corruption. As the empire became increasingly bloated, it began to lose control over its provinces, and one by one, they slipped from its grasp. In September 476 A.D., a Germanic prince named Odovacar dealt a decisive blow to the Roman army in Italy, marking a regrettable end to the empire’s once-glorious legacy.
Historians continue to debate the reasons for Rome’s collapse. Several key factors include barbarian invasions, economic troubles, overexpansion, military overspending, government corruption, political instability, loss of traditional values, the division of the Empire between East and West, and the weakening of Rome’s military.
Ultimately, the foundation upon which the Roman Empire was built disintegrated, leading to its fall. The Roman Empire was no more, but its legacy continues to shape modern civilization.
David, king of Israel, was going through similar turmoil. The foundation of his nation, the principles of Mosaic law and justice, and the institutions derived from them were being undermined (Psalm 11:3). When the foundations are destroyed, a complete breakdown of law and order in the community follows. The FRCL translates it as “The standards of the society are in ruins” (UBS).
The Hebrew word translated as destroyed or collapsed is haras. Haras refers to something that has been destroyed or damaged irreparably. It is the verb used to describe the destruction of the Egyptian armies at the Red Sea (Exodus 15:7). The results of this activity are often horrific, appalling, ghastly, disgusting, or loathsome.
REFLECT & PRAY
During challenging times, David’s closest advisors and friends tempted him to doubt. He had to choose between giving in to fear or maintaining his faith. He chose faith.
Father, You are supreme above all, conquering every challenge that arises. When any child of the King encounters hardships, You offer to come alongside them and face their trials with You at their side (Matthew 28:20, Daniel 3). There is no need for fear or retreat.
INSIGHT
David had known the Father since he was a small boy. In human terms, they were not just friends; they were BFFs, Best Friends Forever. The Father was with him during those dark, lonely nights while he watched over his sheep. He was there when David prayed, responding with gentle, loving, inaudible whispers. The Father witnessed this faithful child develop the confidence to withstand every trial until Bathsheba.
Psalms 11:1 I trust in the LORD for protection. So why do you say to me, “Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety?”
The same could not be said of his advisors. They saw only the impending, threatening storm and failed to recognize the Father who had power over it. In modern times, Doppler radar alerts people on the ground when severe weather approaches and warnings are issued to evacuate when deadly hurricanes loom. To David’s fainthearted counselors, it seemed as though a man-made hurricane was imminent. They believed the situation was hopeless and that The Nation of Israel was doomed. They strongly urged him to flee and save himself: “Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety!”
This puzzled David. Don’t they know who David is? More importantly, don’t they know who the Father is? Indeed, they should be aware of David’s faith and confidence in the Father. He totally trusted in the Lord for protection. The Father could undoubtedly handle the situation. There is no reason to fear or run away. David rejects their well-meaning, fact-based advice. He is determined to stand his ground no matter what.
He counters with “a spirited retort to some demoralizing advice” (Kidner). He asks them a question, the gist of which is, “How can you say such a thing?” No doubt, he thought something like, “The difficulties we face now might be bad, but they are not that bad. I have faced greater problems for far longer spans of time than this. The Father took care of me then, and He will take care of me now. This too shall pass.”
Psalms 11:3 The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do?
Can you picture his advisors? Do they seem fidgety and nervous? Do you see them shaking as they speak? Are their lips quivering as they try to get the words out? Perhaps under their breath, they were muttering, “What can we do? What can we possibly do?” To their rhetorical question, they had already decided that the answer was “nothing.”
David’s great confidence and faith were derived from years of walking with the Father. How could they be so weak-kneed and unstable? How could they be so filled with fear? Where was their faith?
Psalms 11:4-7
4 But the LORD is in his holy Temple; the LORD still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth.
5 The LORD examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence.
7 For the righteous LORD loves justice. The virtuous will see his face.
David turns them away, unwavering in his stance. With steadfast confidence, he articulates his faith, a faith that assures him of realities beyond his sight. He ponders, “Where is the Father now?” and answers with conviction: “He reigns supreme, enthroned in heaven, overseeing the grand tapestry of history as it unfolds.”
Psalms 2:4 But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them.
The Father’s watchful eye is on both the righteous and the wicked. At any moment, He can step into our world and alter the course of events. The Scriptures overflow with instances of His divine intervention: the parting of the Red Sea, the fall of Jericho, the deliverance from the fiery furnace, and more. With the Father eternally enthroned in heaven, there is no cause for worry. Even when the world appears to be in chaos, David’s unwavering trust in the Father shines through, lighting the path of faith that all the children of the King should walk.
Psalms 11:2-3
2 The wicked are stringing their bows and fitting their arrows on the bowstrings. They shoot from the shadows at those whose hearts are right.
3 The foundations of law and order have collapsed.
This sounds eerily familiar to recurring events of the 21st century. Could it be a wake-up call? Without a firm foundation, how can Western Civilization stand?
¯\_(ツ)_/¯3-5-1
© Dr. H 2024
Dr H Reflections 