Psalms 12:5

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.

For the oppression {H7701} of the poor {H6041}, for the sighing {H603} of the needy {H34}, now will I arise {H6965}, saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}; I will set {H7896} him in safety {H3468} from him that puffeth {H6315} at him.

"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."

โ€œFor the cause of the oppressed and for the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,โ€ says the LORD. โ€œI will bring safety to him who yearns.โ€

Because of the oppression of the poor, because of the sighing of the needy, Now will I arise, saith Jehovah; I will set him in the safety he panteth for.

Commentary

Psalms 12:5 presents a powerful declaration from God, revealing His active response to the widespread oppression and moral decay described in the preceding verses. It serves as a beacon of hope amidst a desperate plea for divine intervention.

Context

Psalm 12 is a lament of David, articulating the societal breakdown caused by pervasive deceit, flattery, and ungodliness. The psalmist observes that "faithful men" have vanished and "truth" is rare (Psalm 12:1). The wicked speak "vanity" and "flattering lips" (Psalm 12:2), boasting of their ability to deceive. Against this backdrop of human failure and moral corruption, verse 5 introduces God's sovereign and decisive response to the suffering of the vulnerable, promising divine intervention for the oppressed and needy.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Intervention: The phrase "now will I arise, saith the LORD" underscores God's unwavering commitment to justice. He is not a passive observer but actively intervenes on behalf of the oppressed. This highlights His sovereign power to act in human affairs when injustice prevails.
  • Compassion for the Vulnerable: God's explicit focus on "the oppression of the poor" and "the sighing of the needy" reveals His special concern for society's most defenseless members. Their cries penetrate heaven, moving Him to action and demonstrating His deep empathy.
  • Promise of Safety and Deliverance: The Lord pledges to "set him in safety," offering a divine refuge from those who mock and scorn. This promise of protection directly contrasts with the malice of those who "puffeth at him," providing assurance of ultimate security and deliverance from oppression.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "puffeth at him" translates the Hebrew word yaphiach (ื™ึธืคึดื™ื—ึท), which literally means "to breathe out" or "to blow." In this context, it powerfully conveys scorn, contempt, or malicious intent expressed through words or actions, like blowing a puff of air in disdain or even plotting harm. It captures the arrogance and derision of the oppressors towards the vulnerable. The declaration "now will I arise" uses the Hebrew qum (ืงื•ึผื), a dynamic verb often signifying God's readiness to intervene, whether for judgment or for salvation, emphasizing His immediate and decisive action.

Practical Application

Psalms 12:5 offers profound comfort and a challenge for believers today:

  • Hope for the Oppressed: For those suffering injustice or feeling unheard, this verse is a powerful reminder that God sees, hears, and will ultimately act. It encourages reliance on God as a refuge and strength, even when circumstances seem bleak.
  • Call to Action: As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect God's heart for the poor and needy. This verse implicitly challenges us to advocate for justice and stand with the vulnerable, just as God promises to do, fulfilling the biblical mandate to care for the marginalized.
  • Trust in God's Word: In a world filled with deceitful words and empty promises, God's declaration to arise is a steadfast truth. It sets the stage for the next verse, which emphasizes the purity and reliability of God's words compared to human falsehoods, providing an anchor for faith.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 34:6 (18 votes)

    This poor man cried, and the LORD heard [him], and saved him out of all his troubles.

  • Proverbs 14:31 (17 votes)

    ยถ He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.

  • James 5:4 (16 votes)

    Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.

  • Isaiah 33:10 (15 votes)

    Now will I rise, saith the LORD; now will I be exalted; now will I lift up myself.

  • Psalms 146:7 (15 votes)

    Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:

  • Psalms 146:8 (15 votes)

    The LORD openeth [the eyes of] the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous:

  • Micah 7:8 (14 votes)

    Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD [shall be] a light unto me.