To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?

PSALMS 11:1KJV
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Psalms 11:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 11:1 mean?

Psalms 11:1 describes David declaring his trust in the LORD and questioning those who urge him to escape danger by fleeing like a bird to the mountains. The verse shows David’s confidence in God’s protection rather than relying on running away from threats.

David is the speaker here, addressing people who are advising him to seek safety by fleeing. The setting is one of trouble or danger, where others think escape is the best option. Instead, David insists that his security comes from the LORD (the personal name for God), not from hiding or running away.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 11:1

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal, covenant name for God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing a close and committed relationship between David and God.
  • trust (חָסָה, chasah): This word often means to seek refuge or shelter, like someone taking cover in a safe place. David’s use of this word paints a picture of finding safety in God himself, not just believing in God’s power.
  • Flee (נוּד, nud): This verb can mean to wander, flee, or move away. The image is of a bird quickly escaping to the mountains, suggesting panic or desperation, which David rejects for himself.
  • bird (צִפּוֹר, tsippor): The comparison to a bird highlights vulnerability and the instinct to escape when threatened, making David’s refusal to flee more striking.

Why Psalms 11:1 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David’s faith is not passive; he actively chooses to trust God instead of following the fearful advice of others.
  • The contrast between trusting in the LORD and fleeing like a bird helps readers see the difference between faith and fear-driven decisions.
  • The verse sets up the rest of the psalm, where David explains why he can trust God even when circumstances seem dangerous.

Where else these words appear

“Flee” Hebrew H5110 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 4:12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.
  • Psalms 69:20 Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.
  • Jeremiah 22:10 Weep ye not for the dead, neither bemoan him: but weep sore for him that goeth away: for he shall return no more, nor see his native country.

“trust” Hebrew H2620 · used in 36 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:37 And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted,
  • Psalms 18:30 As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
  • Psalms 91:4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

“bird” Hebrew H6833 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 7:14 They, and every beast after his kind, and all the cattle after their kind, and every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind, and every fowl after his kind, every bird of every sort.
  • Deuteronomy 4:17 The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air,
  • Proverbs 7:23 Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.

“Musician” Hebrew H5329 · used in 65 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 15:21 And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel.
  • Psalms 31:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.
  • Psalms 61:1 To the chief Musician upon Neginah, A Psalm of David. Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.