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)
The verse isn't just listing punishments; it's a wish that God would bring them, highlighting David's desperate cry for divine justice when earthly systems fail. The imagery of "rain" and a "portion of their cup" also powerfully suggests these divine judgments will be overwhelming, unavoidable, and perfectly measured out for the wicked.
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)
This psalm begins with David in distress, feeling threatened by wicked enemies who are actively plotting against him and God’s people. He recounts how he trusted in God, even when others advised him to flee, and now he shifts from his personal plea to a declaration of God’s ultimate justice against the wicked. This verse is part of his confident prediction of the severe, unavoidable divine judgment that will fall upon those who oppose God and His righteousness.
When we see evil seemingly triumphing, it's easy to feel despair. But David reminds us that God's justice, though sometimes delayed, is like a tempest waiting to break.
The Unpredictable Onset of Divine Wrath
The verse paints a vivid picture of God's judgment descending on the wicked. It's not a gentle shower but a sudden, fierce storm.
Calvin notes that this storm doesn't always come immediately. God allows a period of calm, making the sudden onslaught even more devastating, fulfilling the prophecy of 'sudden destruction when they say, Peace and safety.'
We often speak of a 'cup of blessing,' but what happens when God prepares a 'cup of wrath' for the wicked?
A Predetermined and Inescapable Fate
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The phrase 'the portion of their cup' is a profound metaphor for the destiny God has appointed for the wicked. It's not arbitrary but a sure and measured allotment of His wrath.
Wesley points out that this isn't just about temporal calamities but often refers to the eternal punishments awaiting the unrighteous.
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, sulfur, and tempests in Psalm 11:6 vividly recalls the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, serving as a potent warning of divine retribution against persistent wickedness.
~1400 BC
Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah
God rains fire and sulfur on the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah due to their extreme sinfulness. This event becomes a prime example of God's decisive judgment.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
David Writes Psalm 11
David, facing severe danger and questioning from advisors, writes this psalm expressing his trust in God's ultimate justice despite present turmoil. This verse reflects his deep conviction in God's righteous judgment.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
The Babylonian army destroys Jerusalem and exiles many Judeans. This event served as a stark reminder to the people of the severe consequences of persistent wickedness and rebellion against God.
c. AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Roman army destroys Jerusalem and its Second Temple. This devastating event reinforced the understanding of God's judgment, echoing earlier calamities.
This passage directly describes God raining fire and sulfur upon Sodom and Gomorrah, providing the primary Old Testament example that the Psalmist is alluding to for the wicked's ultimate destruction.
Isaiah 30:33This verse describes the 'Topheth' prepared for kings, which is said to be deep and wide, with fire and much wood, and God breathing on it like a stream of brimstone, powerfully echoing the imagery of fiery judgment.
Jeremiah 7:20The prophet warns that God's anger and fury will be poured out like fire on Judah, consuming them and leaving nothing behind, mirroring the intensity and finality of the judgment described in the Psalm.
Luke 17:29Jesus refers back to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, noting that fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all, reinforcing the literal and devastating nature of such divine judgment.
Revelation 14:10This New Testament passage describes those who worship the beast being tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb, showing the continuation of this imagery into eschatological judgment.
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 isn't just listing punishments; it's a wish that God would bring them, highlighting David's desperate cry for divine justice when earthly systems fail. The imagery of "rain" and a "portion of their cup" also powerfully suggests these divine judgments will be overwhelming, unavoidable, and perfectly measured out for the wicked.
This psalm begins with David in distress, feeling threatened by wicked enemies who are actively plotting against him and God’s people. He recounts how he trusted in God, even when others advised him to flee, and now he shifts from his personal plea to a declaration of God’s ultimate justice against the wicked. This verse is part of his confident prediction of the severe, unavoidable divine judgment that will fall upon those who oppose God and His righteousness.
This psalm begins with David in distress, feeling threatened by wicked enemies who are actively plotting against him and God’s people. He recounts how he trusted in God, even when others advised him to flee, and now he shifts from his personal plea to a declaration of God’s ultimate justice against the wicked. This verse is part of his confident prediction of the severe, unavoidable divine judgment that will fall upon those who oppose God and His righteousness.
"Let him rain coals on the wicked; fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup." — The verse isn't just listing punishments; it's a wish that God would bring them, highlighting David's desperate cry for divine justice when earthly systems fail. The imagery of "rain" and a "portio…
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Last reviewed October 2026