Psalms 11

Psalm 11 opens with David declaring his unwavering trust in the Lord, rejecting advice to flee from his adversaries. He acknowledges the wicked's plots against the upright and the potential destruction of societal foundations. Despite this, David affirms the Lord's sovereign presence in heaven, His watchful eye over humanity, and His ultimate judgment upon the wicked, while He loves and beholds the righteous.

In Psalm 11, David expresses profound faith in the Lord, refuting suggestions to escape from impending danger. He describes the wicked as those who covertly prepare to attack the "upright in heart," raising the question of what the righteous can do when fundamental order is threatened. Yet, the psalmist asserts that the Lord remains enthroned in heaven, His gaze observing all humanity, testing the righteous while abhorring those who love violence. The Lord's justice is revealed as He promises severe judgment, including snares, fire, and brimstone, for the wicked. Ultimately, the psalm concludes by affirming that the righteous Lord loves righteousness and His countenance favors the upright.

Psalm 11, attributed to David, begins with a declaration of profound trust in the Lord, directly refuting the advice to "flee as a bird to your mountain" in the face of peril. The psalmist vividly portrays the threat posed by the wicked, who "bend their bow" and "make ready their arrow upon the string" to "privily shoot at the upright in heart." This immediate danger leads to a poignant rhetorical question: "If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?" This query underscores the vulnerability of the righteous when societal structures or moral principles are undermined. However, the psalm swiftly shifts to an affirmation of divine sovereignty and justice. It proclaims that "The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD'S throne is in heaven," emphasizing His supreme authority and omnipresence. His "eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men," indicating His constant observation and discernment. The Lord is depicted as testing the righteous, but His "soul hateth" the wicked and those who love violence. Consequently, the psalm foretells a dire judgment for the wicked, stating that "he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest" upon them, signifying their inevitable destruction. The concluding verse powerfully reiterates the Lord's character: "For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright," assuring believers of divine favor and protection for those who walk in integrity.