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.
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A Plea Amidst Deceitful Men

1
To the chief Musician upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men. ​
2
They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak. ​
3
The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:
4
Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us? ​

The LORD's Promise to Act

5
For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him. ​
6
The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. ​

Trust in Divine Preservation

7
Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
8
The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted. ​

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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