Psalms 11:2-7

2 Like hunters, the wicked string their bows; they set their arrows on the bowstrings. They shoot from dark places at those who are honest.

3 When all that is good falls apart, what can good people do?"

4 The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord sits on his throne in heaven. He sees what people do; he keeps his eye on them.

5 The Lord tests those who do right, but he hates the wicked and those who love to hurt others.

6 He will send hot coals and burning sulfur on the wicked. A whirlwind is what they will get.

7 The Lord does what is right, and he loves justice, so honest people will see his face. For the director of music. Upon the sheminith. A psalm of David.

Psalms 11:2-7 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.