Psalms12

Psalm 12 is a lament by David, crying out to the LORD for help as godly and faithful men diminish. He describes the prevalent deceit and flattery among men, contrasting it with the LORD's promise to intervene against the proud and oppressive. The psalm concludes by affirming the purity of God's words and seeking His preservation amidst a corrupt generation where the wicked thrive.

A Plea Amidst Deceitful Men

1
For the leader. On sh'minit [low-pitched musical instruments?]. A psalm of David: Help, ADONAI! For no one godly is left; the faithful have vanished from humankind. ​
2
They all tell lies to each other, flattering with their lips, but speaking from divided hearts. ​
3
May ADONAI cut off all flattering lips and the tongue that speaks so proudly,
4
those who say, "By our tongues, we will prevail; our lips are with us. Who can master us?" ​

The LORD's Promise to Act

5
"Because the poor are oppressed, because the needy are groaning, I will now rise up," says ADONAI, "and grant security to those whom they scorn." ​
6
The words of ADONAI are pure words, silver in a melting-pot set in the earth, refined and purified seven times over. ​

Trust in Divine Preservation

7
You, ADONAI, protect us; guard us forever from this generation
8
the wicked strut about everywhere when vileness is held in general esteem. ​

Study Notes for Psalms 12

Verse 1

The superscription 'Sheminith' is a musical direction, likely indicating a lower register or bass clef. The Psalmist laments the complete moral failure of society, where faithfulness (Heb. *emunah*) has vanished.

Verse 2

The core complaint focuses on corrupt communication: 'flattering lips' and a 'double heart' (*leb wa-leb*) signify profound hypocrisy and insincerity in all social and economic dealings.

Verse 4

This verse captures the essence of human arrogance, where the wicked claim complete autonomy over their speech and actions, openly rejecting any divine or moral authority ('who is lord over us?').

Verse 5

This verse presents a divine oracle, a direct word from God responding to the lament. God promises swift and decisive intervention on behalf of the poor and oppressed who suffer under the wicked's abuses.

Verse 6

The trustworthiness of God’s promises (V. 5) is contrasted sharply with human deceit. The metaphor of silver refined seven times stresses absolute purity and perfection, guaranteeing the reliability of the divine Word.

Verse 8

The psalm ends with a sobering observation: despite God's promise, the wicked currently flourish and gain prominence ('vilest men are exalted'), highlighting the persistent tension between present suffering and future divine justice.

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