Psalms 11

2. For lo, the wicked bend their bow, etc. These words, and those in ver. 3, are still the words of the Psalmist’s friends, warning him of his peril.

3. If the foundations be destroyed, etc. E.g., the foundations of social order; the principles of justice, and laws based upon them.

4. The Lord is in His holy temple, etc. This is David’s animated reply to his desponding friends, and it well suggests the source of consolation amid trials or persecutions in every age. This is specially emphasised by the Hebrew word used, which is Jahveh, “The Eternal.”

6 snares. Some render this word “burning coals”; “fire and brimstone” are familiar types of sudden and complete destruction; and refer doubtless to the great historical example of Sodom and Gomorrah: see Job xviii. 15; Ezek. xxxviii. 22. The “horrible tempest,” or, rather, “scorching blast,” is probably the deadly sandstorm of the desert, the Simoom.

7. His countenance doth behold the upright. Or, more probably, as R.V., “the upright shall behold His face”: see Psa. xvii. 15.