Psalms 12

Psalms 12:1-8

God Our Refuge and Defense Psalms 11:1-7; Psalms 12:1-8 The first of these is a debate between fear and faith, and dates from Saul’ s persecutions. Timid friends, anxious for David’ s safety, urged him to flee to the mountains. Such counsels of expediency are frequently given to the servants of God, Nehemiah 6:1-19. Luther’ s diaries are full of such references. But unless our duty is performed, we must stand our ground; we “ can do no other.” We must remember that God’ s love is with us, and that He always exchanges glances of love with His suffering ones. Compare Psalms 11:7 with Exodus 3:7. The opening words of the next psalm appeal for help in bad and evil days. See Micah 7:2. A double heart is literally “ a heart and a heart,” Psalms 12:2. Let us be true in act and speech, else we forfeit the Spirit of truth, Ephesians 4:25; Colossians 3:9. Our sighing will make God arise, Acts 7:56. We shall be helped and kept, Psalms 12:7 and Isaiah 54:17.

Help, Lord!The opening words suggest that this Psalm is an appeal for help in bad and evil days. There are days when sin seems rampant, sweeping all before it. The great and godly men one by one are taken away and the ungodly reign supreme. But when there is no help in man, let us turn to God with the cry which broke from Peter’s lips when sinking in the waves. It is a very convenient cry, both from its brevity and its comprehensiveness. Help, Lord! (see Micah 7:2).

Psalms 12:1-2; Psalms 12:4 The need of help. A double heart is literally a heart and a heart; and such practice deceit on neighbors whom they should love. On the contrary, we are bidden to put away lying, and speak truth to our neighbors (Ephesians 4:25; Colossians 3:9). Oh for perfect transparency of heart and life!

Psalms 12:3-4 The certainty of help. The very prayer begotten in the heart carries the assurance of an answer. Besides, the world is so made that daring wickedness rarely goes unpunished. Let us never act as if we thought our lips were our own; for they too have been bought with the price of those dear parched lips which cried, I thirst.

Psalms 12:5 The arising of help. God hears sighs. One sigh will make Him arise, as the sighs of Stephen made Jesus stand (Acts 7:56).

Psalms 12:6-7 The blessed promise of help. There is no mixture of error in the words of God; all dross has been removed: they may therefore be trusted to the uttermost. Bind the words of God to your heart, and fearlessly go forth into the world. You shall be kept and preserved for evermore (Isaiah 54:17).