Psalms 11:1-6

1 For the leader. By David: In ADONAI I find refuge. So how can you say to me, "Flee like a bird to the mountains!

2 See how the wicked are drawing their bows and setting their arrows on the string, to shoot from the shadows at honest men.

3 If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?"

4 ADONAI is in his holy temple. ADONAI, his throne is in heaven. His eyes see and test humankind.

5 ADONAI tests the righteous; but he hates the wicked and the lover of violence.

6 He will rain hot coals down on the wicked, fire, sulfur and scorching wind will be what they get to drink.

Psalms 11:1-6 Meaning and Commentary

To the chief Musician upon Sheminith, a Psalm of David. The word "sheminith" is used in the title of Psalm 6:1, and signifies "eighth"; and intends either the eighth note, to which the psalm was sung, or rather the harp of eight chords, to which it was set, as the Targum and Jarchi interpret it. Some Jewish writers {y} understand it of the times of the Messiah; and the Syriac version entitles the psalm, "an accusation of the wicked, and a prophecy concerning the coming of the Messiah:" and the Arabic version says, it is concerning the end of the world, which shall be in the eighth day; and concerning the coming of the Messiah: but Arnobius interprets it of the Lord's day.

{y} Sepher Lekach Shechachah apud Caphtor, fol. 64. 1. & Ceseph Misnah in Maimon. Hilch. Teshuvah, c. 9.