Psalms 11:1

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

¶ To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David. In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee [as] a bird to your mountain?

Complete Jewish Bible:

For the leader. By David: In ADONAI I find refuge. So how can you say to me, "Flee like a bird to the mountains!

Berean Standard Bible:

In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: “Flee like a bird to your mountain!

American Standard Version:

In Jehovah do I take refuge: How say ye to my soul, Fleeasa bird to your mountain;

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

To the chief Musician^{H5329}, A Psalm of David^{H1732}. In the LORD^{H3068} put I my trust^{H2620}: how say^{H559} ye to my soul^{H5315}, Flee^{H5110} as a bird^{H6833} to your mountain^{H2022}?

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Commentary for Psalms 11:1

Psalm 11:1 is part of a Psalm traditionally attributed to King David, a prominent figure in Jewish and Christian history known for his role as a psalmist and king of Israel. This particular verse sets the tone for a psalm that is both a personal expression of trust in God and a response to counsel that may seem contrary to faith.

In this verse, David declares his unwavering trust in the Lord, which stands in stark contrast to the advice he receives from others. The phrase "Flee as a bird to your mountain" suggests a call to escape danger by seeking refuge in a high and seemingly secure place, a common metaphor in ancient Near Eastern literature for finding safety from enemies or adversity. David's contemporaries might have urged him to take physical flight in the face of threats, a practical strategy in a world where kings and rulers often faced violent overthrow and death.

However, David's response indicates a deeper spiritual insight. His trust in the Lord implies that he finds his refuge not in geographical elevation but in the divine protection that comes from a relationship with God. This reflects a broader theme in the Psalms, where the authors often turn to God in times of trouble, seeking divine intervention rather than relying solely on human strength or strategic retreats.

The historical context of this verse may relate to one of the many periods of crisis in David's life, such as when he was pursued by King Saul or when he faced internal threats from his own son, Absalom. In these moments, David's decision to trust in God rather than flee to the mountains would have been a powerful testimony to his faith and a source of inspiration for future generations facing their own trials.

In summary, Psalm 11:1 encapsulates a theme of deep trust in God amidst adversity. It contrasts human advice to seek physical safety with the spiritual wisdom of seeking security in God's protection. This verse reflects the historical experiences of King David, who, despite facing grave dangers, chose to rely on his faith in God rather than on conventional means of escape.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H5329
   There are 65 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָצַח
   Transliteration: nâtsach
   Pronunciation: naw-tsakh'
   Description: a primitive root; also as denominative from נֶצַח; properly, to glitter from afar, i.e. to be eminent (as a superintendent, especially of the Temple services and its music); to be permanent; excel, chief musician (singer), oversee(-r), set forward.
   
2. Strong's Number: H1732
   There are 911 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: דָּוִד
   Transliteration: Dâvid
   Pronunciation: daw-veed'
   Description: rarely (fully); דָּוִיד; from the same as דּוֹד; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse; David.
   
3. Strong's Number: H3068
   There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יְהֹוָה
   Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
   Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
   Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.
   
4. Strong's Number: H2620
   There are 36 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חָסָה
   Transliteration: châçâh
   Pronunciation: khaw-saw'
   Description: a primitive root; (compare בָּטַח); to flee for protection; figuratively, to confide in; have hope, make refuge, (put) trust.
   
5. Strong's Number: H559
   There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָמַר
   Transliteration: ʼâmar
   Pronunciation: aw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet.
   
6. Strong's Number: H5315
   There are 683 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נֶפֶשׁ
   Transliteration: nephesh
   Pronunciation: neh'-fesh
   Description: from נָפַשׁ; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental); any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it.
   
7. Strong's Number: H5110
   There are 24 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נוּד
   Transliteration: nûwd
   Pronunciation: nood
   Description: a primitive root; to nod, i.e. waver; figuratively, to wander, flee, disappear; also (from shaking the head in sympathy), to console, deplore, or (from tossing the head in scorn) taunt; bemoan, flee, get, mourn, make to move, take pity, remove, shake, skip for joy, be sorry, vagabond, way, wandering.
   
8. Strong's Number: H6833
   There are 36 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: צִפּוֹר
   Transliteration: tsippôwr
   Pronunciation: tsip-pore'
   Description: or צִפֹּר; from צָפַר; a little bird (as hopping); bird, fowl, sparrow.
   
9. Strong's Number: H2022
   There are 485 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: הַר
   Transliteration: har
   Pronunciation: har
   Description: a shortened form of הָרָר; a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively); hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion.