Psalm 11:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: for behold, the wicked bend the bow; they have fitted their arrow to the string to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart;

NIV: For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.

NASB: For, behold, the wicked bend the bow, They have set their arrow on the string To shoot in darkness at the upright in heart.

CSB: For look, the wicked string bows; they put their arrows on bowstrings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.

NLT: The wicked are stringing their bows and fitting their arrows on the bowstrings. They shoot from the shadows at those whose hearts are right.

KJV: For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart.

NKJV: For look! The wicked bend their bow, They make ready their arrow on the string, That they may shoot secretly at the upright in heart.

The temptation to flee to the mountains for safety (Psalm 11:1) was real, because David's enemy was well-armed and ready to attack. Both king Saul (1 Samuel 18:8–9) and David's own son, Absalom (2 Samuel 15:10–12) presented real threats to his life; this psalm may reflect one of those experiences. While some interpret the arrows as metaphors for slanderous lies, it seems best to interpret the reference literally. David's enemies hated him and every righteous person and wanted to destroy them.

Centuries earlier, Moses had sent twelve men into Canaan to spy the land. Ten returned with a negative report. They counseled against entering Canaan, noting that giants lived there. The other two spies, Joshua and Caleb, advised the people of Israel to invade the land and possess it, because God had promised the land to them (Numbers 13). In a crisis, believers can either focus on their obstacles or on God, who is able to subdue any enemy. A lack of faith in God caused Israel to wander an additional four decades in the wilderness (Numbers 14:20–23), and a lack of faith in God causes believers to wander from Him (Hebrews 4:7–11).

Psalm 11:1–3 addresses David's temptation to run from his enemies. This suggestion either comes from his advisors or his own fears. His urge is to flee quickly for safety to the mountains because his enemies are well armed and ready to kill him. However, David testifies that the Lord provides his protection. He refuses to allow the nation to suffer the devastating loss of its king. This establishes the psalm's perspective on how the Lord's people should respond to the erosion of godly authority.

David is tempted to run in terror from his enemies, like a frightened bird. Whether this is advice from counselors or simple fear, David refuses to given in. He declares that the Lord is his refuge. The wicked are well-armed and prepared to fight, but David trusts God to keep him safe. In part, David stands firm because he recognizes the consequences if godly authority is removed. The psalm celebrates God's sovereign rule and omniscience, ending with encouragement. The Lord is righteous and loves righteous deeds; someday those who honor Him will see His face.

This psalm is another depiction of David in trouble. It may have been written when he fled from Saul's court and was hiding in the wilderness (Psalm 18). Or David may have written it when his son Absalom was pursuing him (Psalm 3). Whatever the occasion, this psalm expresses David's trust in the Lord as all-knowing and righteous.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.