Psalm 11:6

On the wicked He will rain down fiery coals and sulfur; a scorching wind will be their portion.

Study Bible

On the wicked He will rain down fiery coals and sulfur;
This phrase evokes the imagery of divine judgment reminiscent of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24), where God rained down sulfur and fire as a punishment for the cities' wickedness. The use of "fiery coals and sulfur" symbolizes a severe and consuming judgment, indicating the totality and intensity of God's wrath against sin. In the ancient Near Eastern context, sulfur and fire were often associated with divine retribution and purification. This imagery serves as a warning to the wicked, emphasizing that their actions will lead to inevitable and catastrophic consequences. The phrase also connects to prophetic literature, such as in Isaiah 30:33, where God's breath is likened to a stream of burning sulfur, further illustrating the theme of divine judgment.

a scorching wind will be their portion.
The "scorching wind" can be understood as a metaphor for the destructive force of God's judgment. In the geographical context of the Middle East, a scorching wind, such as the sirocco, is a hot, dry wind that can devastate crops and cause severe discomfort, symbolizing the harshness and inescapability of divine punishment. The term "portion" suggests an allotted share or destiny, indicating that the wicked will receive what is due to them as a result of their actions. This concept of a "portion" is echoed in other scriptures, such as Psalm 16:5, where the righteous receive the Lord as their portion, contrasting the fates of the wicked and the righteous. The imagery of wind is also used in prophetic texts like Jeremiah 4:11-12, where a scorching wind is described as a tool of God's judgment, reinforcing the theme of divine retribution.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Wicked
This term refers to those who live in opposition to God's will and righteousness. In the context of Psalm 11, the wicked are those who threaten the righteous and undermine justice.

2. God
The sovereign judge who administers justice. In this verse, God is depicted as the one who will execute judgment on the wicked.

3. Fiery Coals and Sulfur
These elements symbolize divine judgment and destruction, reminiscent of the judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah.

4. Scorching Wind
Represents the harsh and consuming nature of God's judgment against the wicked.

5. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of this Psalm, David often wrote about the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, seeking God's justice.

Teaching Points

God's Justice is Certain
The imagery of fiery coals and sulfur assures believers that God will ultimately judge the wicked. This should encourage us to trust in His justice, even when it seems delayed.

The Reality of Divine Judgment
The vivid descriptions serve as a sobering reminder of the reality of God's judgment. It calls us to examine our lives and ensure we are living in alignment with God's will.

The Protection of the Righteous
While the wicked face judgment, the righteous can find comfort in God's protection and justice. This should motivate us to pursue righteousness and trust in God's deliverance.

Call to Repentance
Understanding the severity of God's judgment should lead us to repentance and a desire to share the gospel with others, warning them of the consequences of wickedness.

Hope in God's Sovereignty
Despite the presence of evil, believers can have hope knowing that God is sovereign and will ultimately set things right.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of fiery coals and sulfur in Psalm 11:6 help us understand the seriousness of God's judgment?

2. In what ways does the account of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19 parallel the message of Psalm 11:6?

3. How can the certainty of God's judgment on the wicked provide comfort to believers facing injustice today?

4. What steps can we take to ensure we are living righteously in light of the warnings found in Psalm 11:6?

5. How does the concept of divine judgment in Psalm 11:6 connect with the final judgment described in Revelation 21, and what implications does this have for our daily lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 19
The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah with sulfur and fire from the Lord serves as a historical example of divine judgment, similar to the imagery in Psalm 11:6.

Revelation 21
The final judgment and the lake of fire as the ultimate destiny for the wicked, echoing the themes of divine retribution found in Psalm 11:6.

Isaiah 30
The imagery of a scorching wind as a tool of God's judgment is also found here, emphasizing the consistency of God's justice throughout Scripture.