Psalm 11 Study Notes

11:1 A bird is a defenseless animal that can only fly away rather than stand its ground and fight (55:6; 124:7). The statement expresses the counsel of the psalmist’s advisers or perhaps his own thoughts.

11:2 Comparing this verse to 7:12 where God is the one primed and ready to shoot at the wicked shows the irony of this situation.

11:3 The foundations are undefined here but could refer to moral foundations or the principles of justice within society. The activities of the wicked shake the foundations of justice and morality (82:5; Ezk 30:4).

11:4-5 The security of the psalmist rested in the fact that God had not left his holy temple (see Mc 1:2; Hab 2:20) and was still on his throne (103:19), both of which are in heaven. Though the wicked thought that God was not paying any attention to what was happening on earth (10:4; 14:1; 53:1), he was actually watching and examining everyone (33:13-14). This included both the righteous and the wicked.

11:6 The Hebrew text of this verse reads, “Let him rain down traps on the wicked.” This reading might have originated from a connection with v. 1, since the word for “trap” most often describes something used to catch birds (Am 3:5). Another reading is “coals of fire,” which only amounts to a slight variation of letters. This seems more likely in light of the parallel with scorching wind.

11:7 Seeing God’s face, a figurative expression, is equivalent to experiencing God’s favor or blessing (17:15; Jb 33:26). It is the opposite of God hiding his face (Ps 10:11). A related image is for God’s face to “shine” on his people (Nm 6:25).