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Psalm 11:2
ESV for behold, the wicked bend the bow; they have fitted their arrow to the string to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart;
NIV For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.
NASB For, behold, the wicked bend the bow, They have set their arrow on the string To shoot in darkness at the upright in heart.
CSB For look, the wicked string bows; they put their arrows on bowstrings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.
NLT The wicked are stringing their bows and fitting their arrows on the bowstrings. They shoot from the shadows at those whose hearts are right.
KJV For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart.

What does Psalm 11:2 mean?

The temptation to flee to the mountains for safety (Psalm 11:1) was real, because David's enemy was well-armed and ready to attack. Both king Saul (1 Samuel 18:8–9) and David's own son, Absalom (2 Samuel 15:10–12) presented real threats to his life; this psalm may reflect one of those experiences. While some interpret the arrows as metaphors for slanderous lies, it seems best to interpret the reference literally. David's enemies hated him and every righteous person and wanted to destroy them.

Centuries earlier, Moses had sent twelve men into Canaan to spy the land. Ten returned with a negative report. They counseled against entering Canaan, noting that giants lived there. The other two spies, Joshua and Caleb, advised the people of Israel to invade the land and possess it, because God had promised the land to them (Numbers 13). In a crisis, believers can either focus on their obstacles or on God, who is able to subdue any enemy. A lack of faith in God caused Israel to wander an additional four decades in the wilderness (Numbers 14:20–23), and a lack of faith in God causes believers to wander from Him (Hebrews 4:7–11).
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