Psalm 12

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 12:1-2

‘Help, YHWH, for the godly man ceases, For the faithful have disappeared from among the children of men. They speak falsehood every one with his neighbour. With flattering lip, and with a double heart, do they speak.’ It is a sad day for good men when it appears as though all godly men have disappeared (compare Hosea 4:1-2; Micah 7:2-6; Isaiah 57:1; Isaiah 59:12-15; Jeremiah 5:1-4; Jeremiah 7:28; Jeremiah 9:2-6). It often seems to be the case, but it is never truly so. This godly man who writes... read more

Peter Pett

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 12:3-4

‘YHWH will cut off all flattering lips, The tongue that makes great boasts, Who have said, ‘With our tongue will we prevail, Our lips are our own, who is lord over us?’ ’ YHWH assures him in his heart that it will not always be so. Those who have flattering lips will be cut off, as will those with a boastful tongue. They thought they could speak as they liked, they thought that their powerful words would enable them to achieve their own selfish ends, they challenged the right of anyone to be... read more

Peter Pett

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 12:5

‘Because of the oppression of the poor, Because of the sighing of the needy, Now will I arise, says YHWH, I will set him in the safety that he pants for.’ But they should recognise that YHWH sees all that happens on earth, and He was aware of the oppression of the poor. He heard the sighing of those in need. He saw their panting after deliverance. And because of such things He will arise, and will remedy the situation, and give them the security that they long for. Truth and righteousness will... read more

Peter Pett

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 12:6

‘The words of YHWH are pure words, As silver tried in a furnace on the earth, Purified seven times. In contrast to the deceit and falsehood of men the words of YHWH are true and pure, and totally to be relied on. They are like silver which has been refined, yes refined ‘seven times’ (totally and completely), as silver on earth needs to be. But the words of YHWH are so pure that they do not need such a refining process. They are already purer than any silver on earth, even though they are... read more

Peter Pett

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 12:7

‘You will keep them, O YHWH. You will preserve them from this generation for ever. The wicked walk on every side, When vileness is exalted among the sons of men.’ So through His word YHWH will keep His people and will continue to preserve them through the generations for ever. His words are the perfect antidote to unbelief, sin and deceit. But meanwhile sin will continue to walk abroad, the unrighteous will appear to be on every side, and vileness will be exalted among men. They will boast... read more

Arthur Peake

Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 12:1-8

XII. A Prayer of Faithful Jews against the Arrogant Tongue of the Ungodly. Psalms 12:1-Numbers : . “ The godly man ceaseth” (see Psalms 4:1-Deuteronomy :). The wicked acknowledge no responsibility for their words: they say, “ To our tongues we give might,” i.e. free rein. Psalms 12:5-Ruth : . Yahweh declares His intention of rising in defence of the poor and needy. Here the author quotes (unless the identity of the words be mere coincidence) Isaiah 33:10. He relies on a Divine promise there... read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Psalms 12

PSALM 12 The same title is prefixed to Psa 6. This Psalm was composed in the time and upon the occasion of Saul’s ill government, and his persecution of David, and other good men who favoured him. David, being destitute of human comfort, craveth help of God, Psalms 12:1. He exclaims against flattering and deceitful tongues, Psalms 12:2; and comforteth himself with God’s judgment on them, Psalms 12:3,Psalms 12:4; and assureth himself of his tried mercies to the needy, Psalms 12:5-8. read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Psalms 12:1

Help; or, save me and other good men from the subtlety and rage of wicked men. Saul will not help us, and other men cannot help; therefore it is a fit season for thee to help. The godly; or, kind, or merciful, as this word is oft used, as Psalms 30:5; Psalms 31:24; Psalms 86:2; q.d. I and my friends are sorely and causelessly persecuted, banished from our homes and friends, and, which is worst of all, from God’s sanctuary, and yet few or none pity us; all mercy and humanity is lost. The... read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Psalms 12:2

Vanity; or, falsehood, which is a vain thing, and wants the solidity of truth. With a double heart; pretending one heart, and that they speak from a kind and upright heart, when they really have another, even a cruel and deceitful heart. read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Psalms 12:3

Or great things, or great words, either bragging or threatening what they will do, and what great things they will effect, to wit, by their tongues, as they themselves explain it in the next verse, which they will use so cunningly and powerfully, that they shall not need to use their hands, or strike a stroke. read more

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