Psalms 11:6 - Exposition

Upon the wicked he shall rain snares . On Divine displeasure follows Divine punishment—not always speedy, but sure. Those who have plotted against David will have" snares rained" upon them. God is said to "rain" on men both his blessings and his curses, when he gives them abundantly (comp. Job 20:23 ; Hosea 10:12 ; Ezekiel 34:26 ). By "snares" are meant any difficulties or troubles in which men are entangled by the action of Divine providence. Fire and brimstone . The punishment of Sodom and Gomorrah was the typical example of God's vengeance to the Israelites generally. And an horrible tempest ; literally, a breath of horrors (comp. Psalms 119:53 ; Lamentations 5:10 ). It is thought that the simoom may be intended. But none of the threats are to be taken literally. All that the psalmist means is that God's vengeance, in some shape or ether, will overtake his persecutors. This shall be the portion of their cup. This is probably the earliest place where the metaphor of a "cup" for man's lot in life is employed. Other instances are Psalms 16:5 ; Psalms 23:5 ; Psalms 73:10 ; Psalms 75:8 ; Psalms 116:1-19 :23; Isaiah 51:17 , Isaiah 51:22 ; Jeremiah 25:15 ; Ezekiel 23:31 , Ezekiel 23:32 ; Matthew 20:22 , Matthew 20:23 ; Matthew 26:39 ; John 18:11 .