Unknown
Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents
11:4-7 The Righteous Lord Gives Us Confidence. The second part of the song reveals the answer to the psalmist's question. Thus the song looks beyond the immediate danger to the God who so rules all things as to vindicate his righteousness and his love for the righteous (that is, for those who keep his covenant).
11:4 his holy temple. This is more likely God's heavenly palace (his throne is in heaven) than his earthly temple, although one must not press the distinction too far: in the OT, the earthly sanctuary is the doorway into the heavenly (as in Isa. 6:1), and thus, in worship, God's people join the heavenly choir.
11:5 Just as God carefully assesses the inner condition of all mankind (11:4; cf. 7:9; 17:3), he especially assesses (tests) the righteous; thus the faithful should see their danger as an opportunity to prove that their faith is genuine. In contrast, the Lord hates the wicked--i.e., those among God's people who would exploit and harm others, and thereby foil the very purpose of the covenant, arouse God's anger, and render themselves liable to severe judgment (v. 6).
11:6 fire and sulfur. As upon Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19:24). portion of their cup. That is, what God has assigned for them, whether in this life or the next (Jer. 13:25; cf. Ps. 16:5 for the pious). The judgment may be visible in history, or it may be ultimate: that is God's business.
