**The Righteous in the Lord’s Refuge**
In the days when the kingdom of Israel was divided, and wickedness seemed to flourish like weeds in a neglected field, there was a man named Eliab. He was a humble shepherd who lived in the hill country of Judah, tending his flock with care and devotion. Eliab was known among his people as a man of deep faith, one who trusted in the Lord with all his heart. He often meditated on the psalms of David, finding solace in their words, especially in times of trouble.
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the hills, Eliab sat by a small fire, his flock grazing peacefully nearby. The air was cool, and the stars began to pierce the darkening sky. He opened a scroll of the psalms and began to read aloud, his voice steady and reverent: *“In the Lord I take refuge; how can you say to my soul, ‘Flee like a bird to your mountain?’”* (Psalm 11:1).
As he spoke these words, a sense of unease crept into his heart. For weeks, rumors had spread through the villages of a band of ruthless marauders who were pillaging the countryside. They burned homes, stole livestock, and left devastation in their wake. Many had fled to the fortified cities, seeking safety behind high walls. Some of Eliab’s neighbors had urged him to do the same, warning him that his remote pasturelands were no place to remain. “Flee to the mountains,” they said. “Save yourself and your flock.”
But Eliab’s faith was unshaken. He continued to read: *“For behold, the wicked bend the bow; they have fitted their arrow to the string to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart”* (Psalm 11:2). He thought of the marauders, their hearts filled with malice, their hands eager to destroy. Yet he also remembered the Lord’s promises, His steadfast love, and His justice. Eliab whispered a prayer, “Lord, You are my refuge. I will not fear the arrows of the wicked, for You are my shield.”
The night deepened, and the fire crackled softly. Suddenly, a distant sound broke the stillness—the faint clatter of hooves and the murmur of voices. Eliab’s heart quickened, but he did not panic. He stood, staff in hand, and looked out over the hills. In the moonlight, he saw shadows moving—a band of armed men, their torches flickering like malevolent stars. They were heading toward his flock.
Eliab’s mind raced, but his faith held firm. He recalled the next verse: *“If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”* (Psalm 11:3). He knew that even if the world seemed to crumble around him, the Lord’s foundations were unshakable. He knelt and prayed, “Lord, You are my foundation. I trust in You.”
As the marauders drew closer, Eliab noticed something strange. The men began to argue among themselves, their voices rising in confusion. One pointed in one direction, another in the opposite. They seemed disoriented, as if an unseen force had clouded their judgment. Then, without warning, a fierce wind swept through the valley, extinguishing their torches and scattering their horses. The men cried out in fear, some falling to the ground, others fleeing into the night.
Eliab watched in awe as the Lord’s hand moved mightily. He remembered the words of the psalm: *“The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven; His eyes see, His eyelids test the children of man”* (Psalm 11:4). He realized that the Lord had seen the wickedness of the marauders and had intervened to protect His servant.
The next morning, as the sun rose over the hills, Eliab surveyed his flock. Not a single sheep was missing. He knelt in gratitude, offering a sacrifice of praise to the Lord. He read the final verses of the psalm aloud: *“The Lord tests the righteous, but His soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence. Let Him rain coals on the wicked; fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup. For the Lord is righteous; He loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold His face”* (Psalm 11:5-7).
Eliab understood that the Lord’s justice would prevail, even when the world seemed chaotic and evil appeared to triumph. He resolved to continue trusting in the Lord, no matter the circumstances. For he knew that the Lord was his refuge, his strength, and his deliverer.
And so, Eliab’s faith became a beacon to his people. They saw how the Lord had protected him and how his trust in God had not been in vain. Many who had fled to the mountains returned to their homes, inspired by Eliab’s example. They, too, began to seek refuge in the Lord, knowing that He alone could shield them from the storms of life.
From that day forward, the story of Eliab and the marauders was told and retold, a testament to the power of faith and the faithfulness of God. And whenever the people faced trials, they would remember the words of the psalm: *“In the Lord I take refuge.”* For they knew that the Lord, who reigns from His holy temple, would never forsake those who trust in Him.
