Psalm 11
Introduction
Verse 1
In the Lord, i.e. in his faithfulness, who hath promised, and will, I doubt not, give me the kingdom. How say ye? either, 1. Ye my friends; who through diffidence and despondency advised him to this course. Or, 2. Ye my enemies; who said it scoffingly and insultingly.
Verse 2
For lo: these are the words, either, 1. Of David’s friends or enemies, confirming their former advice; which might suit with it, if that was the counsel of his friends; but not if it was (as it seems to have been) the counsel of his enemies; for these would never have called themselves wicked, nor…
Verse 3
If; or, for; or, when. The foundations, i.e. piety, and justice, and fidelity, and mercy, which are the pillars or foundations of a state or kingdom, as they are called, Ps. 75:2–3, Ps. 82:5; by which they are established, Prov.
Verse 4
The Lord, to whom I appeal from men’s unjust tribunals, is in his holy temple; either, 1. In his tabernacle, which is sometimes called his temple, as 1 Sam. 1:9, 1 Sam. 3:3, Ps. 18:6, Ps. 48:9, Ps. 68:29, where he resides to hear the prayers and appeals of all his people. Or, 2.
Verse 5
The Lord trieth the righteous; either, 1. He examines them, and knows them to be righteous, and consequently approveth, and loveth, and will preserve and bless them; which may be gathered from the contrary condition of the wicked, whom God is supposed to try, though that be not expressed, and upon…
Verse 6
He shall rain; which notes their original to be extraordinary, and from God’s hand; and withal, that they should come plentifully, swiftly, and suddenly, violently and unavoidably, as rain commonly doth fall from heaven. Snares, i.e.
Verse 7
This is given as the reason why God hateth and punisheth wicked men so dreadfully, because he loves righteousness, and therefore must needs hate wickedness and punish wicked men.
Ps. 11 This Psalm seems to have been composed by David when he was persecuted by Saul, and forced to flee from place to place for safety. David encourageth himself in God, Ps. 11:1, against the wicked designs of his enemies, Ps. 11:2–3. The providence and justice of God, Ps.