Psalms 11:2-7

2 For lo, the wicked tread a bow, They have prepared their arrow on the string, To shoot in darkness at the upright in heart.

3 When the foundations are destroyed, The righteous -- what hath he done?

4 `Jehovah [is] in his holy temple: Jehovah -- in the heavens [is] His throne. His eyes see -- His eyelids try the sons of men.

5 Jehovah the righteous doth try. And the wicked and the lover of violence, Hath His soul hated,

6 He poureth on the wicked snares, fire, and brimstone, And a horrible wind [is] the portion of their cup.

7 For righteous [is] Jehovah, Righteousness He hath loved, The upright doth His countenance see!'

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.