Psalm 12
A Cry for Salvation in Time of Great Peril
A Cry for Salvation in Time of Great Peril
Psalm 12. This is also a Psalm of David, and to be played “Upon Sheminith”, or “an octave”, like Psalm 6. It is characterized by deep expressions and movings of heart. The setting prophetically is of the faithful remnant in the great tribulation, as their brethren are being martyred around them by antichrist and his followers; i.e. the apostate nation of Israel. The remnant cries out to the Lord for deliverance, and trusts His word for salvation.
PSALM 12
To the chief Musician. Upon Sheminith. A Psalm of David.
1 Save, Jehovah, for the godly man is gone; for the faithful have failed from among the children of men.
v.1 The faithful martyrs. The faithful cry out to Jehovah for salvation in light of the fact that the godly are being slain. In fact, they look around and perceive that the godly are all gone, and that there are very few faithful left among children of men. Prophetically, we know that there are two parts of the faithful remnant, the preserved part in the martyred part. It will be a tremendous test of faith for the preserved remnant to witness their brethren being slain.
2 They speak falsehood every one with his neighbour: with flattering lip, with a double heart, do they speak.
3 Jehovah will cut off all flattering lips, the tongue that speaketh proud things,
4 Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail, our lips are our own: who is lord over us?
5 Because of the oppression of the afflicted, because of the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith Jehovah, I will set him in safety, at whom they puff.
vv.2-5 The character of the apostate persecutors; their judgment. The faithful no speak of those who oppress and afflict them. The leading feature is their lies and flattery. The second feature is their pride. But Jehovah will cut them off in spite of their pride, and He will protect those whom the wicked persecute. This speaks of the moral decay that Israel will experience under the reign of Antichrist (read Mich 7:4-6).
6 The words of Jehovah are pure words, silver tried in the furnace of earth, purified seven times.
7 Thou, Jehovah, wilt keep them, thou wilt preserve them from this generation for ever.
vv.6-7 The preservation of Jehovah. The faithful count on the word of the Lord as a badge of Jehovah’s promise to protect them. They view the word of the Lord as purer than refined silver, and as such it is worthy of their trust. Contrast the “words of Jehovah” with the “falsehood” and “flattering lip” of v.2.
8 The wicked walk about on every side, when vileness is exalted among the children of men.
v.8 The result of wrong morals. The faithful reflect on the reason why the wicked are allowed to walk about freely everywhere. It is because “vileness is exalted among the children of men”. When wrong morals are promoted, the result is evil growing everywhere.