Psalm 11 contains lament (vv. 2–3) but no petition. It is largely a confession of trust (vv. 1, 4–7). The speaking “I” appears only in the opening verse. Otherwise, the situation portrayed concerns groups: the wicked (vv. 2, 5, 6) threatening the righteous/upright (vv. 2, 3, 5, 7). We should perhaps imagine a liturgist dramatically instructing a congregation to be patient under social threats.

11:1–3 The threat is depicted by three images: an endangered bird, hunted humans, and shaky foundations. The intimidation is spurned (How then can you say to me: “Flee like a bird”) as groundless, not because of the speaker’s prowess but because of his position: in the LORD I take refuge. The image of a bird is particularly suited here because refuge in Yahweh is often under his “wings” (36:7; 57:1;…