The book of Psalms, like the other “wisdom books” of the Bible, contains “songs,” that are attributed to King David. King David was likely not the author of these ancient hymns, but the Psalms still retain a thematic connection between David and his god, regardless of authorship. Psalm 11 is not only a clear reflection of the spiritual connection between monarch and deity, but also serves as a condemnation of the wicked. The author describes how he refutes those that may dare to gainsay his devotion while reinforcing his belief that faith in god will surmount any trails that the righteous may face. The author of Psalm 11 deftly employs elements of figurative speech to illustrate that steadfast faith will protect the righteous and damn the wicked.
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David’s auditor states that “the wicked bend the bow, / they have fitted their arrow to the string,” (Psalms 11:2). In this verse the bow and arrow relates to the martial threat that the “wicked” present to the Israelites. The enemy is not meant to be seen as idle opposition, but rather as a distinct and dangerous force amassing against David’s people. The imagery of war is a useful rhetorical device to use in connection to perceived perils. The bow is also useful in that it is a ranged weapon that can strike from afar. This connection implies that the enemies of David may be far from him; both in a literal and figurative sense, but that are present and ready to unleash their power upon him at any …show more content…
Giving God human characteristics is certainly common throughout the books of the Bible, and it is always a very effective tool within Bible literature. In Psalm 11, God watches all of humanity: “His eyes behold, his gaze examines / humankind” (Psalms 11:4). This presents God as an ever watchful presence that sees all of humanity. No human is outside of his vision and it is this boundless sight that allows God to judge the actions of all living souls on Earth. It is this “divine sight” that allows God to “test the righteous and the wicked” (Psalms 11:5). God is portrayed not as an ambiguous force, but as a tangible Lord that sees and judges the pure and wicked alike. The author’s personification of God even stretches into the emotional and spiritual realm. The author states that, “The Lord […] and his soul hates the lover of violence” (Psalms 11:5). God is not only in possession of a “soul,” but is also capable of a human emotion like hatred. God’s capacity for hatred manifests itself in the damnation of the wicked through storms of fire and brimstone. His anger is joined with primal and elemental imagery in regards to the wicked: “On the wicked he will rain coals of fire and sulphur” (Psalms 11:6). Yet, his “humanity” is reflected in his love of the righteous: “For the Lord is righteous; / he loves righteous deeds; / the upright shall behold his face.” (Psalms 11:7). God returns from primal wrath
David’s auditor states that “the wicked bend the bow, / they have fitted their arrow to the string,” (Psalms 11:2). In this verse the bow and arrow relates to the martial threat that the “wicked” present to the Israelites. The enemy is not meant to be seen as idle opposition, but rather as a distinct and dangerous force amassing against David’s people. The imagery of war is a useful rhetorical device to use in connection to perceived perils. The bow is also useful in that it is a ranged weapon that can strike from afar. This connection implies that the enemies of David may be far from him; both in a literal and figurative sense, but that are present and ready to unleash their power upon him at any …show more content…
Giving God human characteristics is certainly common throughout the books of the Bible, and it is always a very effective tool within Bible literature. In Psalm 11, God watches all of humanity: “His eyes behold, his gaze examines / humankind” (Psalms 11:4). This presents God as an ever watchful presence that sees all of humanity. No human is outside of his vision and it is this boundless sight that allows God to judge the actions of all living souls on Earth. It is this “divine sight” that allows God to “test the righteous and the wicked” (Psalms 11:5). God is portrayed not as an ambiguous force, but as a tangible Lord that sees and judges the pure and wicked alike. The author’s personification of God even stretches into the emotional and spiritual realm. The author states that, “The Lord […] and his soul hates the lover of violence” (Psalms 11:5). God is not only in possession of a “soul,” but is also capable of a human emotion like hatred. God’s capacity for hatred manifests itself in the damnation of the wicked through storms of fire and brimstone. His anger is joined with primal and elemental imagery in regards to the wicked: “On the wicked he will rain coals of fire and sulphur” (Psalms 11:6). Yet, his “humanity” is reflected in his love of the righteous: “For the Lord is righteous; / he loves righteous deeds; / the upright shall behold his face.” (Psalms 11:7). God returns from primal wrath