The "them" and "him" in Psalms 12:7 in the NASB probably refer to the vulnerable godly of Psalms 12:5. The NIV calls them "us." Alternatively, David may have meant God’s promises (Psalms 12:6), but this seems less likely. David received encouragement and confidence from the Word of God that assured him of divine protection from the smug liars he found on every hand. read more
When people pursue lives of vanity and vile conduct, verbal deception abounds, but God will preserve the godly. "The sons of men," repeated from Psalms 12:1 and so an inclusio for this psalm, stresses the mortality of the wicked (cf. Isaiah 2:22). David did not resolve the problem of evil, but he recognized that evil is under the full sovereignty of Yahweh who will care for His children."Vileness (’cheapness’) is promoted and exalted in the media: immorality, brutality, murder, lies,... read more
The same subject may be traced here as in Psalms 9-11, viz. a time of persecution and oppression coupled with a conviction that God lives and will yet deliver.Title as in Psalms 6.2. Vanity] empty and false words. A double heart] a figure for treachery and deceit.4. Our lips are our own] We have a right to say what we please, to gain our end.5. Now will I arise] God’s time for interposition always arrives sooner or later. The Psalmist pictures the proper moment as having come. From him that... read more
(3) The Lord shall.—Translate, May Jehovah cut off.Proud things.—Literally, great things. Vulg., linguam magniloquam. read more
(4) With our tongue.—This is the proud saying just mentioned, and is plainly a boast of the power possessed by those who have the ear of persons in authority, and can adroitly “make the worse appear the better cause”; or being themselves in high places, can, like Angelo in Measure for Measure, defy the accusations of their victims:—“Who will believe thee, Isabel?My place in the StateWill so your accusation overweighThat you shall stifle in your own report,And smell of calumny.”But there is... read more
(5) For the oppression—i.e., on account of the oppression. Here, as in so many psalms and prophecies, we have an ancient oracle of God introduced. The poet first quotes it, and then in Psalms 12:6 contrasts its truth and genuineness with the false speeches of hypocrites.I will set.—Literally, I will set in safety; he blows at it: which may mean either, “I will ensure him of the safety for which he panteth,” or “I will set him in safety who panteth for it.” This sense is fixed by Habakkuk 2:3 :... read more
(6) As silver.—This solemn promise of Jehovah may be relied on, for His words are not like those of deceitful men—alloyed with self and falsehood—but are pure as silver seven times smelted.In a furnace.—Either a “workshop” or a “crucible,” according as derived.Of earth.—These words are difficult; they must mean either in earth, referring to the ashes in which the smelted silver falls, or as to earth, i.e., as to the alloy, or as we say, purified of the alloy.But erets is never else used for the... read more
(8) The wicked.—Gesenius translates this verse, “The wicked walk on every side like the rising of a tempest upon the sons of men.” There seems no reason to question his rendering of the word zullûth (Authorised Version, “vilest”), which is peculiar to this passage; but by comparison with Psalms 39:6; Psalms 58:7, we may render the first clause, the wicked vanish on every side; and a slight change gives for the second clause, at the rising of a tempest on the sons of men. read more
Psalms 12:5 This verse was the text of a sermon preached by Dr. Fabricius before Gustavus Adolphus, when he took Augsburg after a severe fight, in which the honour of the day was given by the king to the Scottish Brigade under Colonel Hepburn. A solemn thanksgiving was held in the principal church, and religious liberty was proclaimed in the city of the famous Confession, while the ferocious Tilly, after his defeat, returned breathing out threatenings and slaughter. John Ker. read more
Get a Bible verse delivered to your inbox every day!
Read on Mobile
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 12:6-8
3. Confidence in God’s promise 12:6-8 read more