Psalm 12 Study Notes

Ps 12 title On Sheminith, see note at Ps 6 title.

12:1 These words were spoken from personal experience and conclude that there did not seem to be anyone left who was faithful or loyal to the Lord (14:3; 53:3; Mc 7:2). This is similar to Elijah’s experience when he believed he was the last person in the land who was faithful to the Lord (1Kg 19:10).

12:2 A similar complaint is found in Ps 62:4. The wicked “take pleasure in lying; they bless with their mouths, but they curse inwardly.”

12:3 The one who speaks boastfully flatters himself.

12:4 As in other descriptions of the wicked, their speech gave away their motives (5:9; 10:7; 59:12). In fact, they believed that their power resided in their speech, highlighting perhaps their ability to influence others by what they said.

12:5 The familiar image of God rising up (7:6; 9:19) indicates that he is going to act. The picture of God acting as a result of hearing the cries of his people is similar to Ex 2:24.

12:6 In contrast to the unreliability of the words of the wicked (vv. 2-4; also 5:9), the Lord’s words are pure like silver refined, meaning they are absolutely trustworthy (18:30; 19:7-10). Seven times refers to the fullest sense or the fact that a person cannot exceed this limit (Dn 3:19).

12:7-8 The Lord will protect his own (31:23), while the wicked prowl. The Hebrew word translated “prowl” is a common word for “walk,” but in this form it expresses the idea of walking back and forth. When combined with all around, it means to walk around with wicked intentions. The fact that what is worthless is exalted shows the extent of the influence of sin in society (Ec 8:11). God does not tolerate people who love what is worthless (Ps 4:2).