Psalms 11

David taking notice of the jibing of his persecutors, that made his flying, and wandering condition their pastime, taketh his refuge to God, and declareth his faith of Gods providence, who doth both see and try, and shall judge likewise both the godly and the wicked.

1. A Psalm of David, for the chief Song-master. [See Psa.4.on v.1.] I trust in the LORD: how do ye say to my soul: swerve (on to) your mountain (like) a bird? [Oth. O thou bird] [Saul and his adherents mocked and jeered David with such taunting speeches, as conceiving that he knew no other shift or refuge, but so betaking himself unto, wandering and lurking on the Mountains; hopping as it were from one place to another like a silly bird; but they thought to ensnare and take him well enough for all that, not considering God who was Davids comfort, rest and refuge.]

2. For, behold the wicked bend the how, they fit their arrows on the string, [As if he said: it is no wonder, that they speak so insolently, for they think they have laid their plots so sure, that they shall not miss, but hit and fell me and mine without all peradventure] to shoot in the dark [i.e. in secret, privil. Compare Psa.10.v.8,9.] at the upright of heart.

3. Surely the foundations are overthrown, [i.e. all fear of God; all justice and equity (which are and ought to be as the foundations of the state of Israel) are pulled down and overthrown; seeing they go about utterly to ruine and destroy me and other godly innocent people (who may well be counted the foundations and pillars of the land, Prov.10.25.) or thus: but the foundations (i.e. their purpose, resolutions and enterprises) shall be overthrown. See Psa.8.on v.3. and Isa.19.10. both these readings do well agree with the foregoing and following text] what hath the righteous committed?

4. The LORD is in the palace of his holiness, [i.e. in his holy palace, viz. In heaven, as the following words seem to declare. Otherwise it might also be understood of the Tabernacle. See Psa.5.on v.8. and Hab.2.20.] The LORDS throne is in heaven: his eyes regard, his eye-lyds try [See Psa.7.on v.10.] the children of men.

5. The LORD trieth the righteous; [So as that he alloweth and approveth of him] but the wicked and him that loveth violence, his soul hateth [Spoken of God after the manner of men, as Lev.26.11. the sense being, that God doth hate him in good earnest extreamly.]

6. He shall rain upon the wicked snares, [This implyeth unexpected, severe and unavoidable judgements of God. See Job 18:9,10. Isa.8.14. and 24.17,18.] fire and brimstone [as fell upon Sodom, Gomorra, &c. Gen..19. and are threatened to Gog, Ezek.38.22. being prefigurations of the everlating hellish fire, Jud.v.7. Rev.20.10.] and a mighty (or tempestous) whirle-wind shall be the portion of their cup. [i.e. their appointed and peculiar part and portion. Compare Job 20:29. and the annotat. A kind of speech, borrowed from the father of the family, who was wont of old to share and fill unto every one of the members thereof his portion of drink. Here it is understood of the wickeds punishment: as also Rev.14.10. and elsewhere. Of the cross and affliction of the Church, Psa.73.10. and in general of the sufferings of the godly and wicked both, Psa.75.9. but otherwise, Psa.16.5. and 23.5. See also Job 21.on v.20.]

7. For the LORD is righteous, he loveth righteousnesses: [Compare Psa.9.9.i.e. all righteous things, what so ever is right and just] his face regardeth [viz. With a fatherly tenderness, to shew favour unto and to provide for] the upright [Heb. The right, right minded.]