Types of Psalms Table

12:title the Sheminith See note on 6:title.

A psalm of David See note on 3:title.

12:1 the pious have ceased to be The psalmist speaks for a community that feels alone and isolated. Like the prophets Micah and Elijah, the psalmist seems that the world is almost entirely godless (1 Kgs 19:10; Mic 7:2).

12:2 falseness The Hebrew word used here, shawe, describes something useless or false. The psalmist’s description of the wicked emphasizes that they speak empty words or lies (Ps 41:6).

With flattering lips The Hebrew phrase used here describes false flattering or false speech (Isa 30:10) and is often used in the context of tempting the righteous to sin (Prov 5:3; Dan 11:32).

12:3 May Yahweh cut off The Hebrew word used here, karath, means “to cut off,” “to eradicate,” or “to annihilate.” It is often used to describe God’s punishment of the wicked (Ps 101:8; Lev 20:3). It indicates complete destruction; even the memory and posterity of the wicked are removed (Ps 34:16; 109:15).

12:4 is master over us The arrogance of the wicked is particularly troubling to the psalmist. See 10:2–11 and note.

12:5 the oppression of the afflicted Yahweh speaks, assuring the psalmist and his community that He will act because of the oppression of the poor and needy. The Old Testament law required the Israelites to provide for and defend the poor and needy (see Deut 15:11). Yahweh is often presented as their defender and provider (Psa 35:10; 69:33; Isa 41:17).

12:6 The words of Yahweh The words of Yahweh are contrasted with the speech of the wicked (Ps 12:2–4). His words are refined, and purified—like refined silver (Prov 25:11). In contrast with the false and useless words of the wicked (Ps 12:2–4), Yahweh’s words—specifically His promise to act in v. 5—are trustworthy and reliable.

12:7 You, O Yahweh The psalm ends with a note of praise to Yahweh. He will act to preserve the poor and needy. Because the words of Yahweh are pure and reliable, the psalmist can confidently praise Him for His protection. Yahweh’s statement in v. 5 is a guarantee He will secure their safety.

always The psalmist emphasizes the community’s isolation by describing the entire generation as wicked (Gen 7:1; Deut 32:5).