◄ Psalm 11 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
In the LORD I Take Refuge (Habakkuk 1:12–17) For the choirmaster. Of David. 1 In 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. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Psalm 11 Summary In the LORD I Take Refuge Verses 1–3 – Refusing to Panic David’s advisers urge him to “Flee like a bird to your mountain!” He answers that his safety is already secured in the Lord. Even if the wicked are hiding in the shadows with their bows drawn, and even if “the foundations are destroyed,” he will not abandon his trust. Verse 4 – God on the Throne While enemies lurk on earth, God remains in His holy temple and on His heavenly throne. Nothing escapes His searching eyes. Verses 5–6 – Two Very Different Outcomes God “tests the righteous,” refining their faith, but He “hates the lover of violence.” For the wicked there is a future of “fiery coals and sulfur; a scorching wind.” Verse 7 – Seeing God’s Face Because the Lord is righteous and loves justice, the upright will one day gaze directly upon Him. The psalm ends with unshakable confidence in that hope. Psalm 11 is a profound declaration of trust in the divine refuge, even amidst life's tumultuous trials. Its author, traditionally believed to be David, vividly portrays the dichotomy between righteousness and wickedness and the certainty of God's justice. Verse-by-Verse Authorship and Setting • “Of David” links the psalm to the shepherd-king who spent years dodging Saul in the wilderness (1 Samuel 19; 22; 24). • The call to “flee” fits those seasons when supporters urged David to escape to the strongholds of Adullam or Engedi in the Judean hills. • Absalom’s later rebellion (2 Samuel 15) offers a second possible backdrop; either way, the theme is the same: take refuge in God rather than in geography. Structure and Literary Flow 1. Appeal to trust (v. 1a) 2. Counsel to run (vv. 1b-3) 3. Vision of God enthroned (v. 4) 4. Testing versus judgment (vv. 5-6) 5. Assurance of seeing God (v. 7) The pivot is verse 4: earthly chaos is silenced by heavenly sovereignty. Historical Background • Ancient Near Eastern rulers claimed divine support by enthroning their idols. Israel’s King declares the real throne is in heaven (Psalm 2:4). • Bows and arrows were the stealth weapons of the era. The image of ambush (“shoot from the shadows”) matches guerilla tactics Saul’s men would use in the hill country. • The phrase “foundations are destroyed” recalls civic stability. When city gates, courts, and altars were toppled, law and order collapsed (Isaiah 19:10; Ezekiel 30:4). Archaeological Insights • Excavations at Adullam and the Ein Gedi caves show narrow entrances and hidden chambers—perfect refuges for a fugitive king. • Layers of ash and sulfur in the Dead Sea region illustrate the reality behind God’s “rain of fiery coals and sulfur” (v. 6; compare Genesis 19). • Temple mount finds—stone weights marked “belonging to the king”—reinforce the biblical picture of a central sanctuary symbolizing God’s rule. Key Word Study • Refuge (Hebrew ḥāsâ) – to seek protective cover, like a chick under a hen’s wing (Ruth 2:12; Psalm 57:1). • Foundations (šāṯê) – base stones of a building, but figuratively the moral order (Isaiah 58:12). • Tests (bōḥēn) – examines for authenticity, as a smith assaying metal (Proverbs 17:3). • Upright (yāšār) – straight or level; those aligned with God’s character (Psalm 25:8–10). Theology in Everyday Words 1. God sees everything (Hebrews 4:13). 2. God separates right from wrong (Psalm 1; Matthew 25:31-33). 3. Trust grows stronger under pressure (James 1:2-4). 4. Final justice is certain, even if delayed (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). Judgment Imagery Across Scripture • Psalm 11:6 – “fiery coals and sulfur” • Genesis 19:24 – judgment on Sodom • Isaiah 30:33 – Topheth’s fire • Revelation 20:10 – lake of fire The Bible uses physical fire to picture complete, irreversible judgment on persistent evil. God’s Throne Theme • Psalm 11:4 – “The LORD is on His throne in heaven.” • Isaiah 6:1 – “I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne.” • Daniel 7:9 – “thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat.” • Revelation 4 – a rainbow-encircled throne at the center of worship. God’s sovereignty is the anchor for every crisis. Foundations and Stability When moral foundations crumble, people ask, “What can the righteous do?” Answer: keep trusting and keep acting rightly. Proverbs 14:32 echoes the psalm: “The righteous have a refuge even in death.” Testing of the Righteous • Testing is not punishment but preparation (1 Peter 1:6-7). • Like gold in a furnace, believers emerge purer. • David’s decades of testing shaped him for a throne he would occupy only after trusting God for years. Connections to the Life of Christ • Jesus refused to flee from the cross (Matthew 26:53-54). • He trusted the Father amid violent plotting (John 18:11). • On the third day He “saw God’s face” in resurrection glory, securing that same hope for all who are “upright” in Him (1 John 3:2). Cross-References for Further Study • Psalm 46 – “God is our refuge and strength.” • Psalm 27 – “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” • Habakkuk 2:20 – “The LORD is in His holy temple.” • Hebrews 12:29 – “Our God is a consuming fire.” Practical Takeaways for Believers • Do not let fearful voices set your agenda. • Evaluate every crisis by first looking up, not out. • Remember that hidden sin cannot hide from God’s eyes. • Expect refining trials, but also expect to see God’s face—either in answered prayer now or in glory later. Worship and Music Notes The superscription “For the choirmaster” signals corporate singing. Ancient Israel’s choirs likely used a lyre and cymbals, turning David’s personal resolve into a congregational anthem—reminding every worshiper that true safety is in the Lord, not in the mountains. Connections to Additional Scriptures Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Romans 8:28 And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Teaching Points Trust in the Lord as Refuge Psalm 11:1 begins with a declaration of trust: In the LORD I take refuge. This sets the tone for the entire psalm, emphasizing the believer's reliance on God as a safe haven. The Reality of Evil Verses 2-3 describe the threats posed by the wicked: For behold, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrow on the string to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. This imagery highlights the real and present danger faced by the righteous. God's Sovereignty and Justice Verse 4 reminds us of God's position: The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD is on His heavenly throne. Despite earthly chaos, God remains sovereign and just, observing all that happens. The Testing of the Righteous Verse 5 states, The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked; His soul hates the lover of violence. This testing is a refining process, distinguishing the faithful from the wicked. The Fate of the Wicked Verse 6 warns of the ultimate judgment: On the wicked He will rain down fiery coals and sulfur; a scorching wind will be their portion. God's justice will prevail. The Reward of the Righteous The psalm concludes in verse 7 with a promise: For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice. The upright will see His face. The righteous will ultimately experience God's presence and favor. Practical Applications Seek Refuge in God In times of trouble, actively choose to place your trust in God rather than succumbing to fear or despair. Remain Faithful Amidst Trials Recognize that trials are a part of the Christian journey and an opportunity for growth and refinement. Trust in God's Justice Even when evil seems to prevail, hold onto the truth that God is just and will ultimately right all wrongs. Pursue Righteousness Strive to live a life that aligns with God's standards, knowing that He loves justice and righteousness. People 1. The LORD (Yahweh) The central figure in the psalm, the LORD is depicted as a refuge and a righteous judge. The psalmist places his trust in the LORD, who is described as being in His holy temple and having His throne in heaven. The LORD examines the righteous and the wicked, and His soul hates the lover of violence. The Hebrew root for LORD is "YHWH" (יהוה), which is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible. 2. The Psalmist (David) Although not explicitly named in the text of the psalm itself, the title of the psalm attributes it to David. He is the speaker who expresses his trust in the LORD and questions the advice to flee like a bird to the mountains. David is portrayed as a righteous individual seeking refuge in God amidst adversity. 3. The Wicked These are the individuals who bend the bow and set their arrow against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. They are contrasted with the righteous and are subject to the LORD's judgment. The Hebrew word for wicked is "rasha" (רָשָׁע), which denotes someone who is guilty or morally wrong. 4. The Righteous Those who are upright in heart and are under the LORD's protection. The LORD examines the righteous and ultimately rewards them. The Hebrew word for righteous is "tsaddiq" (צַדִּיק), which refers to someone who is just or in right standing with God. Places 1. The Refuge in the Lord This is a metaphorical place where the psalmist finds safety and protection. The Hebrew root for "refuge" (חָסָה, chasah) implies seeking shelter or trust. In verse 1, the psalmist declares, "In the LORD I take refuge." 2. The Wicked's Lair While not a physical location, this represents the place or state where the wicked plot against the righteous. The imagery in verse 2 describes the wicked bending their bows and setting their arrows against the upright in heart. 3. The Foundations Symbolically, this refers to the moral and societal foundations that are under threat. In verse 3, the psalmist questions, "When the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?" The Hebrew word for "foundations" (שָׁתָה, shathah) can imply the basis or support of something. 4. The Lord's Holy Temple This is a spiritual place representing God's presence and authority. In verse 4, it states, "The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD is on His heavenly throne." The Hebrew word for "temple" (הֵיכָל, heikal) signifies a palace or sanctuary. 5. The Heavenly Throne This is the place of God's sovereign rule and judgment. The same verse (verse 4) mentions, "the LORD is on His heavenly throne," indicating His supreme authority over creation. Events 1. David's Declaration of Trust David begins by affirming his trust in the Lord, saying, "In the LORD I take refuge" (Psalm 11:1). The Hebrew word for "refuge" (חָסָה, chasah) implies seeking shelter or protection, indicating David's reliance on God for safety. 2. Counsel to Flee David recounts the advice given to him to flee like a bird to the mountains, as his enemies are plotting against him (Psalm 11:1). This reflects a common practice of seeking physical safety in times of danger. 3. The Wicked's Threat The psalm describes the wicked preparing to attack the upright, "For behold, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrow on the string to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart" (Psalm 11:2). The imagery of bending a bow and shooting from the shadows suggests a covert and malicious intent. 4. Question of Foundations David poses a rhetorical question about the destruction of foundations, "If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (Psalm 11:3). The term "foundations" (שָׁתוֹת, shatot) can refer to moral or societal structures, emphasizing the chaos that ensues when they are undermined. 5. The LORD's Sovereignty David asserts the sovereignty of God, stating, "The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD is on His heavenly throne" (Psalm 11:4). This highlights God's supreme authority and His position as the ultimate judge. 6. Divine Observation and Testing The psalm notes that God observes and tests both the righteous and the wicked, "His eyes watch; His gaze examines the sons of men" (Psalm 11:4). The Hebrew word for "examines" (בָּחַן, bachan) suggests a process of testing or proving. 7. Judgment on the Wicked David declares that God will judge the wicked, "On the wicked He will rain down fiery coals and sulfur; a scorching wind will be their portion" (Psalm 11:6). This imagery of fiery judgment echoes the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. 8. Affirmation of God's Righteousness The psalm concludes with an affirmation of God's love for righteousness, "For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice. The upright will see His face" (Psalm 11:7). The promise of seeing God's face signifies a close relationship and favor with God. Lessons from Psalm 11 1. Trust in the Lord's Protection In a world filled with uncertainty, Psalm 11:1 reminds us, "In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me, 'Flee like a bird to your mountain'?" This verse encourages us to place our trust in God's protection rather than succumbing to fear. When challenges arise, remember that God is our ultimate refuge, and His protection is unwavering. 2. The Futility of Wicked Schemes Psalm 11:2 warns, "For behold, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart." This verse highlights the futility of wicked schemes against those who are righteous. No matter how cunning the plans of the wicked, they cannot prevail against God's justice and righteousness. 3. The Foundation of Righteousness Verse 3 poses a critical question: "When the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?" This reminds us that our foundation must be built on God's truth and righteousness. When we anchor our lives in His Word, we stand firm even when the world around us crumbles. 4. God's Sovereign Rule Psalm 11:4 declares, "The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD is on His heavenly throne." This verse reassures us of God's sovereign rule over all creation. No matter the chaos in the world, God remains in control, watching over His people with love and authority. 5. God's Omniscient Gaze The same verse continues, "His eyes are watching closely; they examine the sons of men." God's omniscient gaze sees everything, including the intentions of our hearts. This truth encourages us to live with integrity, knowing that nothing escapes His notice. 6. The Testing of the Righteous Verse 5 states, "The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked; His soul hates the lover of violence." God allows trials to refine and strengthen our faith. These tests are not meant to harm us but to draw us closer to Him, shaping us into the image of Christ. 7. The Fate of the Wicked Psalm 11:6 warns, "On the wicked He will rain down fiery coals and sulfur; a scorching wind will be their portion." This vivid imagery serves as a sobering reminder of the ultimate fate of those who reject God. It calls us to share the message of salvation with urgency and compassion. 8. The Love of Righteousness Verse 7 affirms, "For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice. The upright will see His face." God's love for righteousness assures us that He delights in justice and integrity. As we pursue righteousness, we align ourselves with His heart and experience His favor. 9. The Promise of Seeing God The promise that "the upright will see His face" is a profound encouragement. It speaks of the intimate relationship we can have with God through Christ. As we walk in righteousness, we are assured of His presence and the hope of eternal life with Him. 10. Living with Eternal Perspective Psalm 11 as a whole encourages us to live with an eternal perspective. In a world that often prioritizes the temporary, this psalm reminds us to focus on what truly matters: our relationship with God and His eternal kingdom. By keeping our eyes on Him, we find peace and purpose in every circumstance. Topics 1. Trust in the Lord The psalm begins with a declaration of trust in God. David asserts his confidence in the Lord despite the advice to flee from danger. ^"In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: 'Flee like a bird to your mountain.'"^ (Psalm 11:1) The Hebrew word for "refuge" (חָסָה, chasah) implies seeking shelter or protection, emphasizing a deep trust in God's protection. 2. The Threat of the Wicked The psalm describes the threat posed by the wicked, who are ready to attack the righteous. ^"For behold, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrow on the string to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart."^ (Psalm 11:2) The imagery of bending bows and shooting arrows symbolizes the covert and malicious intentions of the wicked. 3. The Foundations Being Destroyed David questions what the righteous can do when the very foundations of society are under threat. ^"If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?"^ (Psalm 11:3) The term "foundations" (שָׁתוֹת, shatot) refers to the moral and social order, suggesting a time of chaos and moral decay. 4. The Lord's Sovereignty and Omniscience The psalm affirms God's sovereign rule and His awareness of human actions. ^"The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD is on His heavenly throne. His eyes are watching closely; they examine the sons of men."^ (Psalm 11:4) The Hebrew word for "examine" (בָּחַן, bachan) indicates a testing or scrutinizing, highlighting God's discerning judgment. 5. The Righteous and the Wicked A contrast is drawn between God's treatment of the righteous and the wicked. ^"The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked; His soul hates the lover of violence."^ (Psalm 11:5) The testing (נָסָה, nasah) of the righteous implies a refining process, while God's hatred of violence underscores His justice. 6. Judgment on the Wicked The psalm describes the judgment that awaits the wicked. ^"On the wicked He will rain down fiery coals and sulfur; a scorching wind will be their portion."^ (Psalm 11:6) The imagery of fiery coals and sulfur evokes the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, symbolizing divine retribution. 7. The Lord's Love for Righteousness The psalm concludes with an affirmation of God's love for righteousness and His favor towards the upright. ^"For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice. The upright will see His face."^ (Psalm 11:7) The Hebrew word for "justice" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat) reflects God's commitment to moral order and fairness. Themes 1. Trust in the Lord The psalm begins with a declaration of trust in the Lord: "In the LORD I take refuge" (Psalm 11:1). This theme emphasizes the believer's reliance on God's protection and sovereignty, reflecting the Hebrew root "חָסָה" (chasah), meaning to seek refuge or trust. 2. The Futility of Fear The psalmist questions the advice to flee like a bird to the mountains, highlighting the futility of fear when God is a refuge: "How then can you say to me: 'Flee like a bird to your mountain'" (Psalm 11:1). This theme underscores the contrast between human fear and divine security. 3. The Righteousness of God God's righteous nature is a central theme: "For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice" (Psalm 11:7). The Hebrew word "צַדִּיק" (tsaddiq) for righteous indicates God's moral perfection and His commitment to justice. 4. The Testing of the Righteous The psalm speaks of God testing the righteous: "The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD is on His heavenly throne. His eyes are watching closely; they examine the sons of men" (Psalm 11:4). The Hebrew root "בָּחַן" (bachan) means to examine or test, suggesting that trials serve to refine and prove the faith of the righteous. 5. Judgment on the Wicked The theme of divine judgment is evident: "Upon the wicked He will rain down fiery coals and sulfur; a scorching wind will be their portion" (Psalm 11:6). This reflects God's justice and the inevitable consequences for those who oppose Him. 6. God's Sovereign Rule The psalm affirms God's sovereign rule from His heavenly throne: "The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD is on His heavenly throne" (Psalm 11:4). This theme highlights God's ultimate authority and control over all creation. 7. The Assurance of God's Presence The assurance of God's presence with the righteous is a comforting theme: "For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice. The upright will see His face" (Psalm 11:7). The promise of seeing God's face signifies intimate fellowship and divine favor. Prayer Points Pray for Trust Ask God to help you trust Him more deeply, especially in times of uncertainty and fear. Pray for Strength Seek God's strength to remain faithful and steadfast during trials and testing. Pray for Justice Intercede for God's justice to prevail in situations where evil seems to dominate. Pray for Righteous Living Request God's guidance and empowerment to live a life that reflects His righteousness and justice. Answering Tough Questions 1. How can Psalm 11:3’s concern about “foundations” be reconciled with historical and scientific evidence for societal progress rather than total collapse? 2. If Psalm 11:4 says God’s throne is in heaven, how does this align with modern understanding of the cosmos and space travel? 3. Given Psalm 11:5’s claim that God tests humanity, how do we reconcile this with the notion of an all-knowing deity who would need no test? 4. How does Psalm 11:6’s description of raining coals and brimstone fit with other biblical accounts that emphasize mercy over destruction? 5. If Psalm 11:7 affirms God’s love of righteousness, why does the broader biblical narrative allow for continued injustice and suffering? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How do the opening verses of Psalm 11 challenge typical human responses to fear? 2. Reflect on a time when you felt like David in verse 1. How did your faith impact your response? 3. How does the imagery of God in His temple watching over humankind affect your understanding of His presence in your life? 4. What does it mean for God to "test" the righteous and the wicked? How have you experienced this in your own life? 5. How does the depiction of divine justice in this Psalm align or contrast with your own understanding of justice? 6. How can we reconcile the notion of a loving God with His hatred for those who love violence? 7. What does the fate of the wicked as described in this Psalm say about the consequences of our actions? 8. Reflect on the phrase "the upright will behold His face". What implications does this have for your life? 9. How can this Psalm serve as a guide when you encounter fear or intimidation? 10. How does Psalm 11 comfort you when facing the wickedness present in the world? 11. What practical steps can we take to keep our faith strong like David's during times of fear and uncertainty? 12. How does this Psalm address the problem of evil in the world? 13. How does the trust in God exhibited in Psalm 11 influence your personal relationship with God? 14. If you were in David's shoes, how would you respond to the advice to "flee like a bird to your mountain"? 15. How can Psalm 11 be used to counsel someone experiencing fear or discouragement? 16. How can we emulate the psalmist's trust in God in our daily lives? 17. How does understanding God's justice as described in Psalm 11 affect your perspective on current world events? 18. How can this Psalm provide guidance in addressing social injustices? 19. What are some ways we can apply the message of Psalm 11 in our relationships with others? 20. Reflect on the final verse of Psalm 11. What steps can we take to ensure that we are among those who "behold His face"? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions