The Bible — World English Bible

Psalm 11

In brief

Psalm 11 is an answer of faith to fear. Advisers tell David to flee like a bird to the mountain, because the wicked are readying their arrows. He answers that he already has his refuge: the LORD. When the foundations are destroyed, God remains on his throne in heaven, sees everything, examines the righteous and brings justice. The psalm ends in hope: the upright will see his face.

The chapter in 3 parts

  1. v. 1-3Flee or trust: the counsel of fear
  2. v. 4-6The LORD on his throne, he sees and examines
  3. v. 7God is righteous and the upright will see his face

1In Yahweh, I take refuge. How can you say to my soul, “Flee as a bird to your mountain”?

2For, behold, the wicked bend their bows. They set their arrows on the strings, that they may shoot in darkness at the upright in heart.

3If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?

4Yahweh is in his holy temple. Yahweh is on his throne in heaven. His eyes observe. His eyes examine the children of men.

5Yahweh examines the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and him who loves violence.

6On the wicked he will rain blazing coals; fire, sulfur, and scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.

7For Yahweh is righteous. He loves righteousness. The upright shall see his face.

Key verses

Verse 1
In Yahweh, I take refuge. How can you say to my soul, “Flee as a bird to your mountain”?

David chooses his refuge before answering the fear of those around him. He refuses to flee because he has already found shelter in God.

Verse 3
If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?

The central question of the psalm: when everything that supports society collapses, what can the righteous do? What follows brings the answer.

Verse 4
Yahweh is in his holy temple. Yahweh is on his throne in heaven. His eyes observe. His eyes examine the children of men.

The turning point: God has not left his place. His reign remains intact in heaven, even when the earth seems out of control. His eyes observe all people.

Verse 7
For Yahweh is righteous. He loves righteousness. The upright shall see his face.

The psalm ends with the character of God: he is righteous and loves justice. Those with an upright heart will behold his face.

Test your knowledge

All Bible quizzes →

What the sermons say

God's Throne: Your Refuge When Everything Falls ApartThis message makes Psalm 11 the first stop on the way to the throne of God. David answers fear with verse 4: the throne is in heaven, which invites us to lift our eyes above the dust.Read the summary →

Frequently asked questions about Psalm 11

What does Psalm 11 mean?

It is the psalm of someone who refuses to panic. While voices advise him to flee, David affirms his trust in the LORD. The wicked may seem powerful, but God reigns on his throne, sees everything and judges justly. The psalm calls us to take refuge in him rather than in flight.

What does it mean when the foundations are destroyed?

The foundations stand for what upholds life in society: justice, law, truth. When they collapse, the righteous feel helpless. David does not deny this reality, but he points out that one foundation remains: God himself, who reigns in heaven and does not change.

How can I pray or meditate on Psalm 11?

Read it while thinking of a situation that frightens you. Spot the advice to flee in verse 1, then answer as David does: tell God you take refuge in him. Next, meditate on verse 4 by lifting your eyes, and entrust your cause to him. Finish by thanking him for being righteous.

Articles quoting Psalm 11

← All chapters

World English Bible translation — public domain.