Psalms 11:1-6

1 <> In the LORD do 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 the wicked and him who loves violence his soul hates.

6 On the wicked he will rain blazing coals; Fire, sulfur, and scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.

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.