Verse one was a little obtuse for me until I read it a bunch of times. The meaning here is that once we have run to God as our refuge, we need no further retreat or cover. A bird, already gifted with escape via her wings, ofter has no reason to fly away to a mountain. That would be extranneous. But here, those on a not so solid footing take aim at those whose foundation is God. The upright.
The upright are the people God will protect in time of trouble, as God is constantly watching (examining is the word used in the NIV) people, and he knows who the just are, and he knows who the wicked are. It says his soul hates those who love violence. And the question comes up, does/can God hate? What does this mean? God has commanded against hatred. Its likely a translation issue. Those who God is said to hate are those who most likely hate God and have barricaded themselves against Him, rejecting Him. As punishment for this wickedness and fleeing from God, David says that God will rain fiery coals and brimstone on them.
Better be good. Better be upright, and that comes from being rooted in God.
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