Psalms

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PSALM 11^*

Confidence in the Presence of God

1For the leader. Of David.

I

In the LORD I take refuge;

how can you say to me,

“Flee like a bird to the mountains!^a

2See how the wicked string their bows,

fit their arrows to the string

to shoot from the shadows at the upright of heart.^b

3^*If foundations are destroyed,

what can the just one do?”

II

4The LORD is in his holy temple;

the LORD’s throne is in heaven.^c

God’s eyes keep careful watch;

they test the children of Adam.

5The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked,

hates those who love violence,

6And rains upon the wicked

fiery coals and brimstone,

a scorching wind their allotted cup.^*^d

7The LORD is just and loves just deeds;

the upright will see his face.

* [Psalm 11] A song of trust. Though friends counsel flight to the mountain country (a traditional hideout) to escape trouble (Ps 11:1–3), the innocent psalmist reaffirms confidence in God, who protects those who seek asylum in the Temple (Ps 11:4–7).

* [11:3] Foundations: usually understood of public order, cf. Ps 82:5.

* [11:6] Their allotted cup: the cup that God gives people to drink is a common figure for their destiny, cf. Ps 16:5; 75:9; Mt 20:22; 26:39; Rev 14:10.

a. [11:1] Ps 55:7; 91:4.

b. [11:2] Ps 7:13; 37:14; 57:5; 64:4.

c. [11:4] Ps 14:2; 102:20; Hab 2:20; Dt 26:15; Is 66:1; Mt 5:34.

d. [11:6] Ps 120:4; 140:11; Prv 16:27; Ez 38:22; Rev 8:5; 20:10.