Psalms 11:2

For, lo, the wicked bend [their] bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart.

For, lo, the wicked {H7563} bend {H1869} their bow {H7198}, they make ready {H3559} their arrow {H2671} upon the string {H3499}, that they may privily {H652}{H1119} shoot {H3384} at the upright {H3477} in heart {H3820}.

See how the wicked are drawing their bows and setting their arrows on the string, to shoot from the shadows at honest men.

For behold, the wicked bend their bows. They set their arrow on the string to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.

For, lo, the wicked bend the bow, They make ready their arrow upon the string, That they may shoot in darkness at the upright in heart;

Context of Psalms 11:2

Psalm 11 is a powerful declaration of trust in the Lord amidst severe threats. In the preceding verse, the psalmist (traditionally David) asserts his refuge in God, even when advised by fearful companions to flee "as a bird to your mountain." Verse 2 then elaborates on the precise nature of the danger facing him. It paints a vivid picture of the enemies' readiness and their insidious intentions, setting the stage for David's unwavering faith in God's ultimate justice and protection, which is further explored in the rest of the psalm.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Stealthy Malice of the Wicked: The verse powerfully illustrates the hidden, treacherous nature of the wicked. They are not engaging in open warfare but preparing a secret ambush, symbolizing their deceitful and underhanded tactics. The imagery of "bending their bow" and "making ready their arrow" conveys immediate, calculated intent to harm.
  • Vulnerability of the Upright: The "upright in heart" are those who live righteously and sincerely before God. This verse highlights their often-vulnerable position as targets of envy, hatred, and malicious schemes simply because of their integrity. Despite their blamelessness, they face active opposition.
  • Imminent Danger: The precise description of the bow being bent and the arrow on the string signifies that the threat is not hypothetical but poised for immediate execution. This emphasizes the psalmist's perilous situation and the very real, present danger he faces.

Linguistic Insights

The word "privily" (KJV) comes from the Hebrew ba'ophel, which means "in darkness," "secretly," or "treacherously." This emphasizes the hidden and deceitful nature of the attack, suggesting that the enemies are not merely hostile but are plotting in secret, seeking to catch the righteous off guard. The phrase "upright in heart" (Hebrew: yishrei lev) denotes those whose intentions and character are pure and sincere before God, highlighting the contrast between their innocence and the wicked's malicious intent.

Practical Application and Reflection

Psalms 11:2 remains profoundly relevant today. It reminds believers that opposition, even from those who seem to operate in the shadows, is a reality for those who strive to live righteously. This imagery resonates with the idea of the devil's schemes or wiles mentioned in the New Testament, where spiritual attacks are often subtle and designed to undermine faith and character. The verse encourages us to:

  • Be Aware: Recognize that opposition to righteousness can be insidious and hidden, not always overt.
  • Stand Firm: Despite the hidden dangers, the psalm's broader message calls for steadfastness in faith, knowing that the Lord is on His throne and sees all (Psalms 11:4).
  • Trust in Divine Oversight: Find comfort in the knowledge that God is fully aware of every secret plot and every prepared arrow against His children. He is the ultimate defender of the "upright in heart."

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Jeremiah 9:3

    And they bend their tongues [like] their bow [for] lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD.

  • Psalms 64:3

    Who whet their tongue like a sword, [and] bend [their bows to shoot] their arrows, [even] bitter words:

  • Psalms 64:5

    They encourage themselves [in] an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?

  • Psalms 37:14

    The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, [and] to slay such as be of upright conversation.

  • Psalms 21:12

    Therefore shalt thou make them turn their back, [when] thou shalt make ready [thine arrows] upon thy strings against the face of them.

  • Psalms 125:4

    ¶ Do good, O LORD, unto [those that be] good, and [to them that are] upright in their hearts.

  • 1 Samuel 18:21

    And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law in [the one of] the twain.

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