Psalms 11

1 In the LORD [Yehovah, The covenant Name of God] I take refuge [seek protection, trust in]. How [in what way] then can you say [speak, command] to me: “Flee [escape, wander] like a bird [a little bird, a sparrow] to your mountain [a high place, a spiritual refuge]! word study 2 For behold [look, see], the wicked [morally wrong, guilty of sin] bend their bows [to tread, prepare for battle]. They set their arrow [sharp object, weapon] on the string [cord, remainder] to shoot [to show, teach] from the shadows [darkness, gloom] at the upright [straight, just] in heart [feelings, will, intellect]. word study 3 If the foundations [bases, underlying principles] are destroyed [overthrown, broken down], what [how] can the righteous [just, upright] do [work, act]?” word study 4 The LORD [Yehovah, The covenant Name of God] is in His holy [set-apart, sacred] temple [the sacred building in Jerusalem]; the LORD is on His heavenly [in the sky, the abode of God] throne [the seat of power and authority]. His eyes [the sources of perception and vision] are watching closely [observing, beholding]; they examine [test, prove] the sons [descendants, children] of men [humanity, the offspring of Adam]. word study 5 The LORD [Yehovah, The covenant Name of God] tests [examines, proves] the righteous [those made right with God, just] and the wicked [morally wrong, guilty of sin]; His soul [the essence of His being, living spirit] hates [feels intense dislike, abhors] the lover [one who has affection for] of violence [cruelty, injustice, unfair treatment]. word study 6 On the [morally wrong, guilty of crime or sin] wicked He will rain down [blazing] fiery coals [flaming pieces of metal] and [highly flammable] sulfur [brimstone]; a [severe] scorching wind [a blast of air] will be their [allotted share] portion. word study 7 For the LORD [Yehovah, the covenant God] is righteous [just, having God’s nature]; He loves [has affection for, delights in] justice [righteousness, moral virtue]. The upright [those who do right, are just] will see [behold, have a vision of] His face [presence, countenance]. word study