Psalm 11
1In Yahweh, I take refuge. How can you say to my soul, “Flee as a bird to your mountain”? 2For, behold, the wicked bend their bows. They set their arrows on the strings, that they may shoot in darkness at the upright in heart. 3If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? 4Yahweh is in his holy temple. Yahweh is on his throne in heaven. His eyes observe. His eyes examine the children of men. 5Yahweh examines the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and him who loves violence. 6On the wicked he will rain blazing coals; fire, sulfur, and scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup. 7For Yahweh is righteous. He loves righteousness. The upright shall see his face.
Introduction
Psalms 11
In this psalm we have David's struggle with and triumph over a strong temptation to distrust God and betake himself to indirect means for his own safety in a time of danger. It is supposed to have been penned when he began to feel the resentments of Saul's envy, and had had the javelin thrown at him once and again. He was then advised to run his country. "No," says he, "I trust in God, and therefore will keep my ground." Observe, I. How he represents the temptation, and perhaps parleys with it, (Psa 11:1-3). II. How he answers it, and puts it to silence with the consideration of God's dominion and providence (Psa 11:4), his favour to the righteous, and the wrath which the wicked are reserved for (Psa 11:5-7). In times of public fear, when the insults of the church's enemies are daring and threatening, it will be profitable to meditate on this psalm.
To the chief musician. A psalm of David.
Cross-references: Ps 11:1 · Ps 11:4 · Ps 11:5