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Psalm 11:4

The LORD is in his holy temple. The LORD is on his throne in heaven. His eyes observe. His eyes examine the children of men.

2For, behold, the wicked bend their bows. They set their arrows on the strings, that they may shoot in darkness at the upright in heart.
3If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?
4The LORD is in his holy temple. The LORD is on his throne in heaven. His eyes observe. His eyes examine the children of men.
5The LORD examines the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and him who loves violence.
6On the wicked he will rain blazing coals; fire, sulfur, and scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.
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← Psalm 11:3Psalm 11:5 →
Notice

The throne in heaven and the eyes examining people bring comfort and unease: God rules over the danger, and every human life lies within his sight.

Questions to write on. Each one opens a new entry with this verse already attached.

What changes in your view of the danger when David turns from hidden arrows to God's throne?

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How do you respond to being examined by the same God who sees those hidden arrows?

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Where does God's throne in heaven seem far removed from what you see on earth?

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Connect

Where else Scripture says this

12 passages readers most often link with this verse, and the thread each one shares with it.

This verse's connections, by chapterThe Bible's strongest chapter linksHover or tap a book to trace it
Habakkuk 2:20But the LORD is in his holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before him!”Both passages declare that the LORD is in his holy temple; Habakkuk adds that the earth should be silent before him.
Psalm 103:19The LORD has established his throne in the heavens. His kingdom rules over all.Both psalms locate the LORD's throne in heaven, with Psalm 103 stating that his kingdom rules over all.
Isaiah 66:1The LORD says: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build to me? Where will I rest?Both passages speak of heaven as God's throne, while Isaiah also names the earth as his footstool.
Psalm 18:6In my distress I called on the LORD, and cried to my God. He heard my voice out of his temple. My cry before him came into his ears.Both psalms speak of the LORD in his temple, attending to people through seeing in one and hearing in the other.
Psalm 2:4He who sits in the heavens will laugh. The Lord will have them in derision.Both passages portray the Lord seated in heaven; Psalm 11 describes his examination of people, while Psalm 2 describes his derision.
Genesis 18:19For I have known him, to the end that he may command his children and his household after him, that they may keep the way of the LORD, to do righteousness and …The shared thread is God's attention to human lives; Genesis names Abraham, while the psalm speaks of all people.
Acts 7:49‘heaven is my throne, and the earth a footstool for my feet. What kind of house will you build me?’ says the Lord. ‘Or what is the place of my rest?Both passages connect God's throne with heaven; Acts also questions what house people could build for him.
Psalm 33:13The LORD looks from heaven. He sees all the sons of men.Both psalms describe the LORD seeing all humanity from heaven, with Psalm 11 adding that his eyes examine people.
Jeremiah 23:24Can anyone hide himself in secret places so that I can’t see him?” says the LORD. “Don’t I fill heaven and earth?” says the LORD.Both passages describe God's sight reaching human beings; Jeremiah makes clear that secret places cannot conceal anyone from him.
Hebrews 4:13There is no creature that is hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.Both passages describe people exposed to God's examining sight, and Hebrews states that everyone must give an account to him.
2 Chronicles 16:9For the LORD’s eyes run back and forth throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. You have …Both passages describe the LORD's eyes observing people, while Chronicles adds his purpose of showing strength for those whose hearts are devoted to him.
Revelation 4:2Immediately I was in the Spirit. Behold, there was a throne set in heaven, and one sitting on the throneBoth passages depict an occupied throne in heaven, presenting heavenly rule through the image of one seated on a throne.
Where this verse fits

Fear for the future. injustice and anger. anxiety or panic.

What the Bible says about fear →What the Bible says about anger →What the Bible says about anxiety →
One step

Something small to carry out of this verse

Read verses 2–5 and mark what God sees

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Encouragement

The danger described around this verse remains real. No timetable for relief is given. Yet YHWH is on his throne, and the darkness conceals nothing from his eyes.

Now put it in your words.

Start an entry on Psalm 11:4. Write what it stirs. Psalmlog sets your words beside Scripture and gives you one next step. Your first entry is free, no account needed.

Keep goingPsalm 11 · the whole chapter with its connection mapPsalms · every chapterBuild a reading plan through Psalms

Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY). Scripture from the World English Bible (public domain). Arc diagram after Chris Harrison and Christoph Römhild (2007).