Psalm 11
BSB
In the LORD I Take Refuge
(Habakkuk 1:12–17)
For the choirmaster. Of David.
1In the LORD I take refuge.
How then can you say to me:
“Flee like a bird to your mountain!
2For behold, the wicked bend their bows.
They set their arrow on the string
to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.
3If the foundations are destroyed,
what can the righteous do?”
4The LORD is in His holy temple;
the LORD is on His heavenly throne.
His eyes are watching closely;
they examine the sons of men.
5The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked;
His soul hates the lover of violence.
6On the wicked He will rain down fiery coals and sulfur;
a scorching wind will be their portion.
7For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice.
The upright will 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