Psalms 11:6
Let him rain coals on the wicked; fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse vividly portrays God "raining" punishments, not just as a general threat, but as a deliberate, even measured, distribution of wrath. The phrase "portion of their cup" suggests that this judgment is not random but precisely allocated and unavoidable, like a drink served at a feast that they are destined to consume entirely.
In this psalm, the psalmist is grappling with deep anxiety over the wicked prospering and justice seemingly absent. He's considering fleeing for safety, but before he makes a decision, he stops to consider God's ultimate role as a righteous judge. This verse expresses his certainty that, despite present appearances, God will inevitably bring devastating judgment upon the wicked, drawing imagery from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah to illustrate the thoroughness of this divine wrath.
When life feels out of control and the wicked seem to get away with it, where do we find hope? This verse paints a vivid picture of God's response.
This verse isn't a gentle suggestion; it's a powerful declaration of God's judgment. Notice the forceful language: 'Let him rain coals on the wicked; fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.'
A Deluge of Judgment
The imagery of 'raining' judgments isn't accidental. It suggests an overwhelming, abundant, and swift outpouring of divine wrath. This isn't a trickle of trouble, but a downpour of destruction.
Unavoidable and Thorough
The 'snares,' 'fire,' 'sulfur,' and 'scorching wind' all point to a judgment that is inescapable and complete. It's designed to trap, consume, and utterly devastate those who persistently defy God. This isn't about minor inconveniences; it's about a final, decisive reckoning.
We often talk about 'drinking the cup' of suffering. What does this metaphor reveal about how God deals with evil?
The phrase 'the portion of their cup' is a profound metaphor for the destiny God has appointed for the wicked. It's not a random event, but a divinely measured and assured outcome.
A Measured Justice
In ancient times, a host would serve a specific measure of drink to their guests. Here, God is depicted as the divine host, dispensing a cup filled with judgment. This cup represents their allotted destiny – a full measure of wrath they cannot avoid or escape.
The Full Measure
Scripture emphasizes that this 'cup' must be drunk to the dregs. It signifies not just a taste of punishment, but the complete and utter experience of God's righteous indignation against sin. It’s the full portion of what their rebellion deserves.
Understand the original words
pachim · Hebrew Noun
The manifestation of God's judgment upon those who rebel against His sovereign authority, often symbolized by fire or natural calamities.
resha'im · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Those who act in direct opposition to God's law and will, characterized by a lack of moral or spiritual integrity.
kos · Hebrew Noun
A metaphorical reference to one's appointed destiny, experience, or divine judgment, whether blessing or curse.
The imagery of 'fire and sulfur' in this psalm powerfully evokes the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, a well-known biblical event illustrating God's judgment on wickedness. This historical parallel would have resonated deeply with the original audience, reminding them that God's justice, though sometimes delayed, is ultimately certain and devastating for the unrighteous.
c. 2100 BC
Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah
God destroys the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah with fire and sulfur, setting a precedent for divine judgment against sin.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
David's Reign as King of Israel
David experiences periods of intense danger and betrayal from enemies and even within his own court, often feeling surrounded by wicked plots.
c. 900 BC
Assyrian Empire's Expansion
The powerful Assyrian empire begins its aggressive military campaigns, often seen as instruments of God's wrath against disobedient nations.
This passage directly describes God raining fire and sulfur upon Sodom and Gomorrah, serving as a powerful historical precedent and a clear allusion for the imagery of divine wrath in Psalm 11:6.
Ezekiel 38:22This verse speaks of God sending a fiery judgment of rain, with brimstone and burning hail, upon Gog and his armies, echoing the destructive imagery and God's direct intervention against His enemies.
Jude 1:7This New Testament passage explicitly references Sodom and Gomorrah's punishment as an example of eternal fire, reinforcing the idea of a final, terrible judgment for the wicked as described in Psalm 11:6.
Revelation 14:10This verse describes the torment of those who worship the beast, drinking the wine of God's wrath poured undiluted into the cup, which parallels the 'portion of their cup' in Psalm 11:6, signifying complete and inescapable divine judgment.
Job 18:15Bildad describes God's judgments as fire consuming the wicked's tent and brimstone scattered upon their dwelling, reflecting the same theme of terrifying, divinely inflicted destruction upon the ungodly.
calvinPsalms 11:6-7: "Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup."
He will rain upon the ungodly snares, fire and brimstone, and a storm of whirlwinds: this is the portion of their cup. 7. For the righteous Jehovah loveth righteousness; [246] his countenance approveth the upright. [247]
He will rain upon the ungodly. David now, in the last place, lays it down as a certain truth, that although God, for a time, may be…
clarkePsalms 11:6: "Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup."
Upon the wicked he shall rain - This is a manifest allusion to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Snares - Judgments shall fall upon them suddenly and unawares. Fire - Such as shall come immediately from God, and be inextinguishable. Brimstone - Melted by the fire, for their drink! This shall be the portion of their cup. A horrible tempest - רוח זלעפות r…
The verse vividly portrays God "raining" punishments, not just as a general threat, but as a deliberate, even measured, distribution of wrath. The phrase "portion of their cup" suggests that this judgment is not random but precisely allocated and unavoidable, like a drink served at a feast that they are destined to consume entirely.
In this psalm, the psalmist is grappling with deep anxiety over the wicked prospering and justice seemingly absent. He's considering fleeing for safety, but before he makes a decision, he stops to consider God's ultimate role as a righteous judge. This verse expresses his certainty that, despite present appearances, God will inevitably bring devastating judgment upon the wicked, drawing imagery from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah to illustrate the thoroughness of this divine wrath.
In this psalm, the psalmist is grappling with deep anxiety over the wicked prospering and justice seemingly absent. He's considering fleeing for safety, but before he makes a decision, he stops to consider God's ultimate role as a righteous judge. This verse expresses his certainty that, despite present appearances, God will inevitably bring devastating judgment upon the wicked, drawing imagery from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah to illustrate the thoroughness of this divine wrath.
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"Let him rain coals on the wicked; fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup." — The verse vividly portrays God "raining" punishments, not just as a general threat, but as a deliberate, even measured, distribution of wrath. The phrase "portion of their cup" suggests that this jud…
