For the music director; by David. 

David wrote this song. The historical event is unknown.

11:1 In the Lord I have taken shelter. How can you say to me, “Flee to a mountain like a bird! 

David was in trouble. His advisers told him to run away to the mountains like a bird. David decided to ignore the advice of his advisers and take refuge in Jehovah. He wanted to trust Jehovah to take care of him.

11:2 For look, the wicked prepare their bows, they put their arrows on the strings, to shoot in the darkness at the morally upright. 

Sniper assassins were attempting to kill David and his righteous men with bows and arrows. David was the anointed King of Israel, so this was also an attack on Jehovah Himself.

11:3 When the foundations are destroyed, what can the godly accomplish?” 

When the foundations of a godly society are destroyed, then the society will becomes so wicked that it will not listen to divine viewpoint.

11:4 The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven. His eyes watch; his eyes examine all people. 

When the foundations of society are destroyed, then the righteous must trust in Jehovah. He is still sitting in His holy temple in heaven. He is watching over all events very closely with His eyelids. He examines all people. Jehovah is still sovereign over all of history.

11:5 The Lord approves of the godly, but he hates the wicked and those who love to do violence. 

God protects the righteous, but the wicked are His enemies. Those who do violence will have to answer to God at the Great White Throne Judgment. Everyone of them will be condemned to the Lake of Fire forever.

11:6 May the Lord rain down burning coals and brimstone on the wicked! A whirlwind is what they deserve! 

David asked Jehovah to rain down fire and brimstone upon the wicked. This was the same judgment in which Jehovah executed upon Sodom and Gomorrah. David added that the wicked deserved an attack from a divine whirlwind.

11:7 Certainly the Lord is just; he rewards godly deeds; the upright will experience his favor. 

David concluded his song with praise about Jehovah’s righteousness. Jehovah does reward those who apply Bible doctrine. They will receive crowns in heaven.