Psalm 11:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The LORD tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.

NIV: The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion.

NASB: The Lord tests the righteous and the wicked, And His soul hates one who loves violence.

CSB: The Lord examines the righteous, but he hates the wicked and those who love violence.

NLT: The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence.

KJV: The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.

NKJV: The Lord tests the righteous, But the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates.

At times, God may bring tests and trials to good people to test them: to prove the genuineness of their faith. This does not come in the form of temptation to sin (James 1:13; 1 Corinthians 10:13). It can, however, come in ways that challenge our trust in God and His involvement in the situation. David's troubles and God's response strengthened his reliance on the Lord (Psalm 3:4).

The apostle Peter explains that the testing of believers is designed to show the genuineness of their faith. Peter writes that "the tested genuineness of your [the believer's] faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:7). The story of Job shows clearly that the Lord allows trials to make the believer better, not bitter. The Lord allowed Satan to afflict Job, and so Job underwent the loss of livestock, children, and his health. But when the trials lifted, Job's perspective of the Lord was clearer and his rewards were many (Job 42).

In contrast, the hardship God sends to those who hate or reject Him is aimed at breaking them. That pain is meant to either turn them to repentance (2 Peter 3:9) or prove their total depravity and sinfulness (Proverbs 29:1). Echoing other parts of Scripture, this verse notes that God hates both evil and those who perpetuate violence (Proverbs 6:16–19). Classic examples of this are the pharaoh of the book of Exodus (Exodus 1:22), and the Herod of Jesus' infancy (Mathew 2:16), both of whom murdered infants and were subsequently destroyed (Exodus 14:30–31; Matthew 2:19–20).

Psalm 11:4–7 explains David's reason for rejecting the temptation to flee to the mountains. Faced with danger, the natural urge is to run and hide. Instead, David's choice is to trust in God. He sees the Lord as sovereign, fully in control of the situation David faced. He believes the Lord tests the righteous but despises the wicked and will judge them. Someday the righteous will see the Lord's face.

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.