David
Psalm 11
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.
Scripture (KJV)
1In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?
2For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart.
3If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?
4The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD’S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.
5The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.
6Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.
7For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.
Summary
Psalm 11 is a compact declaration of trust in the face of counsel to flee. David begins with a bold statement—"In the LORD put I my trust"—and then challenges the well-meaning advice of those who tell him to flee like a bird to the mountains. The threat is real: the wicked have bent their bows and nocked their arrows to shoot secretly at the upright in heart. The famous question of verse 3—"If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?"—voices the despair of seeing the very structures of justice and morality collapse.
Yet David’s answer is not flight but faith. The LORD is in His holy temple; His throne is in heaven. His eyes behold, His eyelids try the children of men. The LORD tests the righteous but hates the wicked and those who love violence. On the wicked He will rain snares, fire, brimstone, and a terrible tempest—the portion of their cup. The psalm closes with a beautiful assurance: the righteous LORD loves righteousness, and His countenance beholds the upright. The major themes are trust, God’s sovereignty, testing, judgment, and righteousness. Practically, the psalm teaches that when foundations shake, the righteous do not flee but look up to the LORD whose throne is unmoved. The great lesson is that the foundation of the righteous is not an earthly structure but the LORD Himself.
Key Themes
A Prayer from Psalm 11
LORD, in You I put my trust. When those around me say, "Flee to the mountains," keep me rooted in You. When the wicked bend their bow and make ready their arrow against the upright in heart, remind me that Your throne is in heaven and Your eyes behold the children of men. When foundations seem destroyed, let me not despair but look to You, the true foundation. Try me, O LORD, and prove me righteous. Rain Your just judgment on the wicked, but let Your countenance behold me as one of the upright. You love righteousness; make me righteous by Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Questions
- 1What "foundations" in my life feel like they are being destroyed right now?
- 2When have I been tempted to "flee to the mountains" rather than trust the LORD?
- 3How does the image of God on His throne in heaven change my perspective on threats?
- 4What does it mean that the LORD’s countenance beholds the upright?
Related Psalms
Psalm 9
“I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.”
Thanksgiving for God’s righteous judgment and a refuge for the oppressed.
Read morePsalm 10
“Why standest thou afar off, O Lord? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?”
A lament over the arrogance of the wicked and a plea for God to act for the helpless.
Read morePsalm 12
“Help, Lord; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.”
A cry against deceitful speech and a trust in God’s pure words.
Read morePsalm 7
“O Lord my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:”
A prayer for justice against false accusation, trusting God as righteous judge.
Read morePsalm 16
“Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.”
Confidence in God as the portion and the path of life, with joy at His right hand.
Read moreSupport BookofPsalms.org
If you find BookofPsalms.org helpful and would like to support the website, you may make a voluntary contribution through PayPal. Your support helps pay for the operation, hosting, maintenance, development, content, security, and continued improvement of BookofPsalms.org.
Independent Website & Contribution Disclosure
BookofPsalms.org is an independently operated, privately owned website. BookofPsalms.org is not affiliated with, sponsored by, endorsed by, or operated by any church, denomination, ministry, religious organization, charity, or nonprofit organization.
All funds contributed through BookofPsalms.org are received by the privately owned company that operates the website. Funds may be used by the company to support website hosting, maintenance, development, content creation, administration, advertising, technology, and other business and operating expenses.
Contributions are voluntary and are NOT tax-deductible charitable donations. BookofPsalms.org does not represent contributions as charitable donations or contributions to a nonprofit, church, ministry, or tax-exempt religious organization.
Receive weekly Psalms and prayers
A gentle Psalm, an original prayer, and a short reflection—delivered once a week.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.