Psalms 11:5
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The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked; His soul hates the lover of violence.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
In this psalm we have David's struggle with and triumph over a strong temptation to distrust God and betake himself to indirect means for his own safety in a time of danger. It is supposed to have been penned when he began to feel the resentments of Saul's envy, and had had the javelin thrown at him once and again. He was then advised to run his country. "No," says he, "I trust in God, and therefore will keep my ground." Observe, I. How he represents the temptation, and perhaps parleys with it, (Psa 11:1-3). II. How he answers it, and puts it to silence with the consideration of God's dominion and providence (Psa 11:4), his favour to the righteous, and the wrath which the wicked are reserved for (Psa 11:5-7). In times of public fear, when the insults of the church's enemies are daring and threatening, it will be profitable to meditate on this psalm. To the chief musician. A psalm of David.
Open source ↗11:5 hates: See 5:4-6; Prov 6:16-18. • Wicked deeds result in destruction and violence (Pss 58:2; 73:6; 74:20).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
Put an end to the evil of the wicked, but establish the righteous, O righteous God who searches hearts and minds.
Your hand will apprehend all Your enemies; Your right hand will seize those who hate You.
Test me, O LORD, and try me; examine my heart and mind.
so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Some time later God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he answered.
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you.
For the wicked man boasts in the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD.
O LORD, You have searched me and known me.
You have tried my heart; You have visited me in the night. You have tested me and found no evil; I have resolved not to sin with my mouth.