Bible Commentaries
Psalms 11

Verses 1-7

XI. Yahweh the Sure Refuge.

Psalms 11:1-3. The problem stated. The wicked are bold: the righteous cannot meet their attack. They can but flee like a “ little bird” (the habitual meaning of the word translated “ bird” ). “ The mountain” (LXX) is preferable to “ your mountain.” An eagle might be poetically described as lord of the mountain, not so a “ little bird,” which seeks refuge there. The reason for this despair is that while the very foundations of social order have been shaken, the righteous have made no head against prevailing evil. After all “ what hath the righteous done” or effected? ( mg.) . The answer ( Psalms 11:4-7), Yahweh is in His heavenly Temple. But far from dwelling apart, He proves or tests the righteous. He rains burning wood on the wicked (so emend the senseless word “ snares” in Psalms 11:6). “ The righteous behold his face,” i.e. have the sense of His gracious presence.