BibleInTonguesWEB
Psalms 11
A short, sharp argument against fleeing. Friends urge the psalmist to escape: 'Flee as a bird to your mountain' (v.1), warning that the wicked are already aiming arrows in the dark (v.2) and the foundations themselves are crumbling (v.3). He refuses, and the answer is one image: the LORD is in his temple, on his throne, and his eyes 'examine the children of men' (v.4). The crisis on earth is met not with escape but with a God who watches and weighs.
- 1
In the LORD, I take refuge. How can you say to my soul, “Flee as a bird to your mountain”?
- 2
For, behold, the wicked bend their bows. They set their arrows on the strings, that they may shoot in darkness at the upright in heart.
- 3
If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?
- 4
The LORD is in his holy temple. The LORD is on his throne in heaven. His eyes observe. His eyes examine the children of men.
- 5
The LORD examines the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and him who loves violence.
- 6
On the wicked he will rain blazing coals; fire, sulfur, and scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.
- 7
For the LORD is righteous. He loves righteousness. The upright shall see his face.
Two questions, one answer
The whole psalm hinges on v.3: 'If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?' It is the voice of despair, assuming the game is already lost.
Verses 4-7 reply by relocating the foundation. It is not the collapsing order below but the unmoved throne above; the same eyes that examine the righteous bring fire on those who love violence (v.6).
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