1.5 God Tests and Examine

Psalm 11:5“The LORD tries (tested) the Righteous; but the Wicked and him who loves violence His (God’s) soul hates.” Quoting the words of Psalm 11:4a “The LORD is in His Holy Temple,” later of crisis, Habakkuk 2:20 underlined their awesomeness with its admonition, “Let all the Earth keep Silence.” This important understanding of looking to God, as David did, involved David’s (and the Believers’) Life, looking to God:

1.5.1 God Examines

1.         God Examines – Psalm 11:5a “The LORD tried (tested) the Righteous.” –  God examines the Righteous – The term “examines (tried, tested)” (bahan) in Psalm 11:5a is the same word as in Psalm 11:4b “His (God’s) Eyes examine them.” – Psalm 11:5a affirms of God’s Refining Process for the Righteous, highlights several important Aspects of God’s relationship with the Righteous:

• God’s Testing is not Punishment: The Hebrew word “tries” or “tests” (bachan), implies the Refining Process, not Punishment.
• God’s Testing is meant to Purify and Strengthen the Righteous.
• God’s Testing is for Refinement: Just as silver and gold are refined in fire, God tests the Righteous to refine their Faith, Character, and Obedience (Psalm 66:10; Isaiah 48:10).
• God’s Testing is not Arbitrary: God’s Testing is not random or capricious. God has the purpose in testing the Righteous, which is to strengthen their trust in Him and to prepare them for greater responsibilities and blessings.
• God’s Testing is the Demonstration of His Love: The fact that God tests the Righteous demonstrates His Love and Concern for our spiritual well-being. He (God) desires to ensure that we are genuine, faithful, and committed to Him.
• Craigie states: “The testing of the Righteous (Psalm 11:5), though it might involve great hardship, would culminate in purity and the removal of dross” (P.C. Craigie, Psalm 1-50, Vol.9 of the “World Biblical Commentary,” (Waco: Word, 1985).
• Spurgeon thinks the same, when he writes that God “Refines (the Righteous) with afflictions” (C.H. Spurgeon, “The Treasury of David,” Vol.1a, Psalms 1-26 (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1968).

Psalm 11:5a “The LORD tried (tested) the Righteous,” reminds the Believers that God’s Testing has ultimate Purposes:

• Testing is the Normal part of the Christian Life: Believers, as followers of Christ, we can expect to face trials and testing, which are opportunities for growth and refinement.
• God’s Testing is always Redemptive: Even in the midst of trials, God’s ultimate goal is to redeem, restore, and mature the Believers (Revelation 21:7).
• Believers must trust God’s Sovereignty: When facing testing, the Believers must trust that God is in control and that His Purposes are always good, even if we do not understand them.

1.5.2 – Test (Hebrew)

The Hebrew word for “test” or “examine” in Psalm 11:4c and Psalm 11:5a has different connotations, although the same root word (bachan) is used.

• Psalm 11:4c: “His eyelids test (bachan) the children of men.” In Psalm 11:4c, the term “test” (bachan) implies the sense of: “Examination, Inspection, Scrutiny.” God’s eyelids are metaphorically searching and examining Humanity, observing their thoughts, words, and actions.
• Psalm 11:5a: “The LORD tries (bachan) the Righteous.” In Psalm 11:5a, the same word “tries,” or “tests” (bachan) has a slightly different connotation, implying: “Refining, Purifying, Proving.”

God, in Psalm 11:5a, is refining and purifying the Righteous, testing their Faith, and Proving their Character. While the same Hebrew word is used in Psalm 11:4c and Psalm 11:5a, the context and connotation differ. In Psalm 11:4c, the focus is on God’s Examination of Humanity, whereas in Psalm 11:5a, the emphasis is on God’s Refining Process on the Righteous.

The repetition of “test……tests” in Psalm 11:4c and Psalm 11:5a reveals that the Initiative is the LORD’s even before the decisive moment of Psalm 11:6. God’s Stillness is not Inertia but Concentration, and His (God’s) Patience gives opportunity to both Righteous and Wicked to show what they are made of.

1.5.3 God Hates Wickedness

Psalm 11:5b “But the Wicked and him who loves violence His (God’s) Soul hates.” – Psalm 11:5b is God’s affirmation that He hates Wickedness, highlights several important truths:

• God’s Hatred for Wickedness: The Hebrew word for “hates” (sane’) emphasizes God’s intense dislike for Wickedness and those who practice it.
• The Wicked and Violence: Psalm 11:5b specifically mentions two Groups: “The Wicked and Those (the People) who love violence.” This emphasizes God’s Opposition to all forms of evil, including violence and injustice.
• God’s Emotional Response: The Phrase “His (God’s) Soul Hates,” suggests that God’s hatred for “Wickedness and Those (the People) who love violence” is not just the intellectual or judicial response, but also an emotional one. God is deeply grieved and offended by Wickedness, and Those (the People) who love violence.
• Contrast with God’s Love for the Righteous: Psalm 11:5b contrasts with Psalm 11:4c which describes God’s Refining Process for the Righteous.
• This highlights the great difference between God’s Attitude towards the Righteous and towards the Wicked.
• God is Opposed to all forms of Wickedness: Believers must not underestimate God’s hatred for evil and injustice.
• Violence and Wickedness have Consequences: Those who engage in Wickedness and Violence will face God’s Judgment and Wrath.
• God’s Love (Psalm 11:4c) and Hatred (Psalm 11:5b) are not emotional whims: God’s emotional responses are rooted in His Holy and Just Nature and are not capricious or arbitrary.

Psalm 11:5b “But the Wicked and him who loves violence His (God’s) Soul hates.” This Powerful Declaration of God’s Hatred for “Wickedness and Those (the People) who love violence,” should motivate us to:

• Pursue Righteousness and Justice: Believers, as Followers of Jesus Christ, must strive to live righteous lives, promoting justice and opposing wickedness.
• Avoid Wickedness and Violence: Believers must shun all forms of evil, recognizing that God hates Wickedness and will judge those who practice it.

The Summary of Psalm 11:5 “The LORD tries (tested) the Righteous; but the Wicked and him who loves violence His (God’s) soul hates.” Psalm 11:5 is the powerful affirmation of God’s Justice and Righteousness. Psalm 11:5 teaches the Believers several important truths:

• God Tests the Righteous: The LORD examines and proves the Righteous, refining their faith and character through trials and challenges.
• God Hates Wickedness: Psalm 11:5 clearly states that God’s Soul hates the Wicked and Those (the People) who love violence. This emphasizes God’s intense dislike for evil and injustice.
• God Distinguishes between the Righteous and the Wicked: Psalm 11:5 highlights the distinction between those who follow God (the Righteous) and those who reject Him (the Wicked and Those {the People} who love violence).
• God’s Justice is Certain: Although the Wicked and Those (the People) who love violence may seem to prosper, temporarily, God’s Justice will ultimately prevail. The Wicked will face God’s Judgment, while the Righteous will be vindicated.
• God is Just: God will not tolerate wickedness forever and will ultimately judge those who persist in evil.
• God is Righteous: God loves righteousness and hates wickedness, ensuring that justice will be served.
• The Believers must choose Righteousness: As Believers, we must strive to live righteous lives, trusting in God’s Justice and Righteousness.

Psalm 11:5 is the powerful teaching encourages Believers to trust in God’s Sovereignty, Justice, and Righteousness, even in the face of evil and injustice. God Purifies the Righteous in “the Furnace of Affliction.” Job went through “the Furnace of Affliction” and was not found wanting. God hates the Wicked and the Person who loves violence. 

1.6 God Prepares

Psalm 11:6 “Upon the Wicked He (God) shall rain snares (coals), fire and brimstone, and a horrible (burning wind) tempest (wind); this shall be the Portion of their Cup.” – Psalm 11:6 is God’s Powerful Declaration of His Judgement on “the Wicked and Those (People) who love violence” (Psalm 11:5b). David uses four Images to describe God’s Judgement that God has prepared for the Wicked:

1.6.1 Snares (Coals)

Psalm 11:6a “Upon the Wicked He (God) shall rain snares (coals), fire and brimstone.” – By “snares (coals)” are meant any difficulties or troubles in which wicked men are entangled by the action of Divine Providence. The term “Snares or Coals,” (Psalm 11:6a) is the Hebrew word “Pachim,” imply difficulties, troubles, or entanglements.

In the context of Psalm 11:6a, “Snares (Coals)” might suggest that the Wicked are entangled in their own wickedness, and that God’s Judgment is the form of Divine Providence, where the Wicked are caught in the consequences of their own actions. This interpretation is supported by other biblical passages, such as:

• Psalm 7:15-16, where the Wicked are described as falling into their own traps.
• Psalm 9:15-16, where the Wicked are caught in their own snares.
• Proverbs 5:22, where the Wicked are described as being held captive by their own iniquities

This understanding highlights the teaching that God’s Judgment is not always the direct, external punishment, but can also be the form of Divine Providence, where the Wicked reap the consequences of their own actions. This insight adds depth to our understanding of Psalm 11:6a, emphasizing the complex and nuanced Nature of God’s Judgment.

1.6.2 Fire and Brimstone

Psalm 11:6b “Upon the Wicked He (God) shall rain snares (coals), fire and brimstone.”

– First, Psalm 11:6a describes God’s Judgement on the Wicked as “fire and brimstone,” which is often associated with God’s Wrath and Punishment. The Phrase: “Fire and brimstone” is also mentioned in other biblical passages:

• Genesis 19:24 (Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah).
• Deuteronomy 29:23 (Judgment on Israel’s Disobedience).
• Isaiah 30:33 (Judgment on Assyria).
• Revelation 20:10 (Final judgment on Satan and the Wicked).

In Psalm 11:6a, the Phrase “Fire and brimstone,” is preceded by “He (God) shall rain snares (coals),” which adds to the intensity of God’s Judgment. The image of fire and brimstone raining down on the Wicked emphasizes the Severity and Totality of God’s Judgment. Psalm 11:6 reminds us that God’s Judgment on the Wicked is:

• Severe: God’s Judgment is intense and overwhelming, like the rain of fire and brimstone.
• Total: God’s Judgment is not limited, but rather encompasses the entire being of the Wicked.
• Eternal: Although not explicitly stated in Psalm 11:6, nevertheless, the biblical concept of God’s Judgment often implies Eternal Consequences.

– Second, Psalm 11:6a “Upon the Wicked He (God) shall rain snares (coals), fire and brimstone,” is the firm reminder to the Believers to:

• Fear God’s Judgment: Believers should recognize the Severity of God’s Judgment, and thus, inspire the healthy Fear of God.
• Seek Righteousness: Believers should strive to live righteous lives, avoiding wickedness and seeking God’s Mercy and Forgiveness.
• Trust in God’s Justice: Although God’s Judgment may seem severe, we can trust that His Justice is fair, righteous, and motivated by His (God’s) love for righteousness and hatred for wickedness.
• God’s Judgement is with Great Severity (Revelation 16:8).
• The Wicked shall be judged by the Lord in the “Lake of Fire and Brimstone,” whose Names are not found in “the Lamb’s Book of Life” (Revelation 20:15).

1.6.3 The Scorching Wind

Psalm 11:6c “And a horrible (burning wind) tempest (wind).”

– First, Psalm 11:6b gives the vivid and intense image of “the scorching wind, a burning tempest,” as part of God’s Judgement on the Wicked.

• The Hebrew Phrase “Ruach zil’aphot” is translated as “the burning wind” or “the scorching blast.” This Phrase: “And a horrible (burning wind) tempest (wind),” paints the picture of the fierce, intense wind that brings destruction and desolation.
• The term “Zil’aphot” is particularly interesting, as it is derived from the root word “zalaf,” which means “to scorch” or “to burn.” This emphasizes the intense heat and destructive power of the wind.

– Second, David uses the image of “the storm” in Psalm 18:4-19 to describe his deliverance from his Enemies and King Saul. In Psalm 18:4-19, David vividly portrays the turmoil and chaos he faced, using imagery from nature, including:

• Waves of Death: David describes the cords of death entangling him, like powerful waves (Psalm 18:4-5).
• Stormy Waters: David pictures himself being swept away by stormy waters, symbolizing the overwhelming forces of his enemies (Psalm 18:4, 16).
• Thunder and Lightning: David describes the LORD’s Voice as thunder, shaking the earth, and His lightning bolts scattering his enemies (Psalm 18:13-14).
• Whirlwind: David portrays the LORD riding on the whirlwind, rescuing him (David) from his Enemies (Psalm 18:10).
• Convey the Intensity of David’s Distress: The turbulent, chaotic images emphasize the severity of David’s situation.
• Highlight God’s Power and Deliverance: The storm imagery also underscores the LORD’s mighty intervention, rescuing David from his Enemies.
• Emphasize God’s Presence and Control: David’s use of storm imagery reminds the Believers that God is present and in control, even in the midst of turmoil.

By using the storm imagery, David creates the powerful and memorable portrait of his deliverance, emphasizing God’s Majesty, Power, and Faithfulness.

– Third, The Description in Psalm 11:6c “And a horrible (burning wind) tempest (wind),” is  the image of the scorching wind serves to:

• Emphasize God’s Judgment: The “burning wind” represents the intensity and severity of God’s Judgment on the Wicked.
• Illustrate the Consequences of Wickedness: The “scorching wind” can be seen as the metaphor for the devastating consequences of Wickedness.
• Highlight God’s Power and Authority: The image of “the burning wind” demonstrates God’s Limitless Power and Authority, reminding the Believers that He (God) is the Sovereign Judge of All.

– Fourth, Psalm 11:6c “And a horrible (burning wind) tempest (wind),” vivid imagery should inspire the Believers to:

• Fear (Reverence) God’s Judgment: Recognizing the intensity of God’s Judgment should motivate the Believers to live righteous lives and avoid wickedness.
• Seek Refuge in God: In the face of God’s Judgment on the Wicked, the Believers should seek refuge in Him (God), trusting in His Mercy and Forgiveness.
• Praise God’s Power and Authority: This image of Psalm 11:6b “And a horrible (burning wind) tempest (wind),” of the scorching wind should inspire the Believers to worship and praise God, acknowledging His Sovereignty and Power over all Creation.

1.6.4 Poisonous Portion

Psalm 11:6d “This shall be the Portion of their Cup.” – Psalm 11:6d, is the poignant (moving) conclusion of God’s Judgement on the Wicked – Psalm 11:6d serves as the Summary Statement, emphasizing God’s Judgments described in:

• Psalm 11:6a (“Wicked Ensnares himself). 
• Psalm 11:6b (“Fire and Brimstones”).
• Psalm 11:6c (“Scorching Wind and Storms”).

The Wicked will be the allotted portion or inheritance. The word “Cup” (kos) is the metaphor for the fate or destiny that God allots to Individuals or Nations.

In this context, “the Cup” represents the Wicked’s just reward for their actions. Psalm 11:6d “This shall be the Portion of their Cup,” highlights several important truths:

• The Wicked will reap what they Sow: The portion of their “Cup” represents the consequences of their Wicked Actions.
• God’s Judgment is Fair and Just: The idea of “the Portion” or “Inheritance” implies that God’s Judgment is not arbitrary, but rather a fair and just response to the Wicked’s Actions.
• The Wicked will face Eternal Consequences: Although not explicitly stated in Psalm 11:6, the biblical concept of God’s Judgment often implies Eternal Consequences (Revelation 20:15).

David saw the image is that of “A poisonous portion in a cup” (Psalm 11:6d) is often a picture of God’s Judgement (Psalm 75:8; Isaiah 51:17,22; Jeremiah 25:15-17; Ezekiel 38:22; Revelation 14:10; Revelation 16:19; Revelation 18:6). The Wicked may be preparing to shoot at the Righteous from the shadows. But God protects the Righteous, and in the end the Wicked will themselves be shot at and destroyed.

 Psalm 11:6 “Upon the Wicked He (God) shall rain snares (coals), fire and brimstone, and a horrible (burning wind) tempest (wind); this shall be the Portion of their Cup.” This poignant (moving) conclusion should motivate the Believer to:

• Fear God’s Judgment: Recognizing the Severity of God’s Judgment should inspire a healthy fear of God.
• Seek Righteousness: Believers should strive to live righteous lives, avoiding wickedness and seeking God’s Mercy and Forgiveness.
• Trust in God’s Justice: Although God’s Judgment may seem severe, we can trust that His justice is fair, righteous, and motivated by His love for righteousness and hatred for wickedness.

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