11:4 David's perspective included God's throne in heaven. There he visualized Yahweh sitting in perfect control over the nation He had created and promised to maintain (cf. Hab. 2:19). The pagans thought their gods dwelt in heavenly temples, but Yahweh really did. The anthropomorphic description of God's eyes and eyelids portrays His close scrutiny and precise awareness of all that was going on in Israel. He was not unaware of His people's plight.
11:5 The Lord's testing refers to His examining the righteous and the wicked. He sets Himself against people who love what He hates, including violence, in opposition to His will.
11:6 God will eventually punish those who oppose His will. He may use any of a multitude of traps and punishments at His disposal. David seems to have had the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in mind (cf. Gen 19:24).
11:7 God hates violence and will punish it (vv. 5-6), but He loves righteousness and will reward it with fellowship with Himself. He will admit the godly to His presence, and they will enjoy His blessings. This is a greater prize than physical safety.
From time to time it seems as though society as we know it is crumbling around us. The prophets of doom counsel us to take drastic measures to preserve ourselves or we will perish, they say. The godly should remember that God is still in control, and He will take care of those who trust in Him and behave in harmony with His will.
