Psalm 11:7
For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice. The upright will see His face.
For the LORD is righteous
The phrase begins with a declaration of God's inherent nature. The Hebrew word for "LORD" here is "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. "Righteous" is translated from the Hebrew word "tsaddiq," which conveys the idea of being just, morally right, and virtuous. This righteousness is not merely an attribute of God but is central to His character. In a world where human justice often fails, this assurance of divine righteousness provides comfort and hope to believers, affirming that God's ways are perfect and His judgments are true.

He loves justice
The Hebrew word for "loves" is "ahav," indicating a deep, abiding affection and commitment. God's love for justice is not passive; it is active and intentional. "Justice" is translated from "mishpat," which encompasses fairness, equity, and the proper order of things according to God's law. This phrase reassures believers that God is not indifferent to the injustices of the world. His love for justice means that He is actively working to set things right, and His ultimate plan will bring about true justice for all creation.

The upright will see His face
"The upright" refers to those who live in accordance with God's will, characterized by integrity and moral rectitude. The Hebrew word "yashar" conveys the idea of being straight or level, symbolizing a life aligned with God's standards. "Will see His face" is a profound promise of intimate fellowship with God. In ancient Near Eastern culture, seeing the face of a king was a privilege reserved for those in favor. Spiritually, this phrase signifies the ultimate reward for the faithful: experiencing God's presence and favor. It echoes the hope of eternal life, where believers will dwell in the presence of God, free from sin and sorrow. This promise encourages believers to pursue righteousness, knowing that their faithfulness will lead to the ultimate blessing of communion with God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal existence and faithfulness. In this verse, He is described as righteous and just.

2. The Upright
Those who live in accordance with God's will and righteousness. They are promised the blessing of seeing God's face.

3. David (implied)
Traditionally attributed as the author of this Psalm, David often wrote about his trust in God's justice amidst adversity.
Teaching Points
God's Righteousness and Justice
God's nature is inherently righteous and just. Believers can trust that His actions and judgments are always fair and true.

The Love of Justice
As God loves justice, His followers are called to pursue justice in their own lives, reflecting His character in their actions and decisions.

The Promise of Divine Encounter
The promise that the upright will see God's face is a profound assurance of intimate relationship and eternal fellowship with Him.

Living Uprightly
To be counted among the upright, believers must strive to live according to God's standards, seeking His guidance and strength to do so.

Hope in Adversity
In times of trouble, believers can find hope in God's righteousness and the promise of His presence, knowing that He sees and rewards the upright.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God's righteousness and love for justice impact your view of current events and societal issues?

2. In what ways can you pursue justice in your daily life, reflecting God's character to those around you?

3. What does it mean to you personally to "see His face," and how does this promise influence your spiritual walk?

4. How can the assurance of God's justice and righteousness provide comfort during times of personal adversity or injustice?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's presence in a profound way. How did that encounter encourage you to live more uprightly?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 17:15
This verse also speaks of seeing God's face, emphasizing the hope and satisfaction found in God's presence.

Matthew 5:8
Jesus teaches that the pure in heart will see God, connecting the idea of righteousness and purity with the promise of divine encounter.

1 John 3:2
This passage speaks of the future revelation of seeing God as He is, reinforcing the hope of the upright in seeing God's face.
The Righteous God and RighteousnessR. Allen, M. A.Psalm 11:7
The Righteous Lord Loveth RighteousnessW. Forsyth Psalm 11:7
A Battle in the SoulW. Forsyth Psalm 11:1-7
A Song in the NightJ. H. Jowett, M. A.Psalm 11:1-7
Confidence in GodJoseph Parker, D. D.Psalm 11:1-7
CourageHomilistPsalm 11:1-7
Faith's Answer to Timid CounsellorsA. Maclaren, D. D.Psalm 11:1-7
Faith's Antidote to FearC. Short Psalm 11:1-7
Jehovah the Protector and Avenger of the Persecuted SaintA. C. Jennings and W. H. Lowe.Psalm 11:1-7
Moral CourageW. L. Watkinson.Psalm 11:1-7
Safety in GodJ. J. Stewart Perowne, B. D.Psalm 11:1-7
The Mission of TrialW. J. Stracey, M. A.Psalm 11:1-7
The Secret of Faith's VictoryRobert R. Muir.Psalm 11:1-7
The Victory of Faith; Or, Rest Amid StormC. Clemance Psalm 11:1-7
Times for FlightDavid Caldwell, A. M.Psalm 11:1-7
Trust in the LordSamuel Martin.Psalm 11:1-7
People
David, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Behold, Beholdeth, Chief, Countenance, David, Deeds, Face, Justice, Loved, Lover, Loves, Loveth, Musician, Psalm, Righteous, Righteousness, Sheminith, Upright
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 11:7

     1075   God, justice of
     1125   God, righteousness
     5360   justice, God
     6677   justification, necessity

Psalm 11:4-7

     9230   judgment seat

Library
Purposes of God.
In discussing this subject I shall endeavor to show, I. What I understand by the purposes of God. Purposes, in this discussion, I shall use as synonymous with design, intention. The purposes of God must be ultimate and proximate. That is, God has and must have an ultimate end. He must purpose to accomplish something by his works and providence, which he regards as a good in itself, or as valuable to himself, and to being in general. This I call his ultimate end. That God has such an end or purpose,
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
OR, THE THRONE OF GRACE ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The churches of Christ are very much indebted to the Rev. Charles Doe, for the preservation and publishing of this treatise. It formed one of the ten excellent manuscripts left by Bunyan at his decease, prepared for the press. Having treated on the nature of prayer in his searching work on 'praying with the spirit and with the understanding also,' in which he proves from the sacred scriptures that prayer cannot be merely read or said, but must
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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