Psalm 12

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Psalms 12:1

CONTENTS This is a short and pathetic lamentation over the languishing state of. the Church, and the decrease of the faithful. The sacred writer, however, takes comfort in the assurance, that God will preserve a seed in the heart. To the chief Musician upon Sheminith. A Psalm of David. Psalms 12:1 The prayer begins beautifully. When faithful men are minished, to whom shall souls zealous for God's glory look, but to a faithful God? The Lord hath so commanded; and he that bids to pray, is then... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Psalms 12:2-4

While the Lord's people are not earnest to assemble, the vain will assemble, and their conversation will be trifling. The children of this world are, in their generation, wiser than the children of light. But, Reader, it is not among the vain and the carnal that we find vain conversation only. Alas! as our Lord foretold concerning the latter days, so we find it; because iniquity abounds, the love of many is waxen cold. Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon! read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Psalms 12:5

What a blessed relief is here found in divine strength against human deceitfulness; and with what sweetness doth this verse come in to comfort every sorrowful soul, that is sighing and crying for the abominations of the land! There is a time to favour Zion; and that time the King of Zion hath already marked. When his people groan, and when his enemies seem to be at the height of their cruelties, then, saith the Lord, will I arise. My soul, I charge it upon thee to remember this: and when... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Psalms 12:6

How beautifully is this verse introduced, by way of contrast to what was said before concerning the words of the ungodly. Do sinners talk of vanity? let saints then speak of Jesus and his gospel. Do they talk impure words? then let the faithful use the pure words of God, which, like silver; the more used, the more melted in the fire, the more precious will they be. It is true indeed, despisers will esteem both God and his word as trifling; but oh! what unknown treasure doth the word, the... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Psalms 12:7-8

These verses seem to have no immediate connection with what went before; nevertheless they come in with a blessed conclusion, to ensure the faithfulness of Jehovah. What though bad men triumph and the faithful are minished, Jesus is the same, yesterday, and today, and forever. He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness, for by strength shall no man prevail. 1 Samuel 2:9 . read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Psalms 12:8

REFLECTIONS READER, there never was a period of the Church, when this Psalm seemed to be more applicable. How few are there asking the way to Zion! How many the vacancies made by death in the congregations of the faithful! And who is there pleading, crying, wrestling with Zion's King in prayer, and determined to take no denial, that the Lord would fill those vacancies, and raise up a generation to call him blessed? Alas, alas! may it not with too much truth be said, all seek their own, and not... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Psalms 12:1

Me? These expressions are figurative. God seems displeased: but it is often for our greater good. Some explain this of David, Ezechias, the captives, &c. It may be applied to every afflicted soul, which places her whole trust in God. (Calmet) read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Psalms 12:2

Day; frequently. (Worthington) --- Septuagint adds, "and night." (Calmet) --- These cares and perplexities arise from persecutions and from man's weakness. (Worthington) read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Psalms 12:3

Enemy; Saul, &c., or the devil. (St. Augustine) (Calmet) read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Psalms 12:4

Death, by mortal sin, (Worthington) or through excessive sorrow, Jeremias li. 39. Shew me thy favour, (Calmet) and I shall be secure. Sleep is represented as nearly related to death. (Homer, Iliad xiv.) Tum consanguineus lethi sopor. (Virgil, 'c6neid vi.) (Haydock) read more

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