Old Testament
Psalms 11
Overview
Psalm 11 is a psalm of confident trust in which David refuses the panicked counsel to flee "like a bird to your mountain" when the wicked bend their bows in the dark. Instead of running, he anchors his hope in the LORD who is enthroned in his holy temple, whose eyes test the children of man. The psalm answers fear not with a strategy of escape but with the steady conviction that the righteous God sees, judges, and finally lets the upright behold his face.
1For the Chief Musician. By David. In 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.