Psalms 12

Psalms 12:1

Title. upon Sheminith] Or, upon the eighth. See Notes on the title of Psal. 6.

HElp] Or, Save.

for the godly man ceaseth] Micah 7:2. Which dares defend the truth, and shew mercy to the oppressed.

Psalms 12:2

with flattering lips] He meaneth the flatterers of the court, which hurt him more with their tongues then with their weapons, Psalms 5:9.

with a double heart do they speak] Heb. an heart and an heart, 1 Chronicles 12:33. that is, a deceitfull heart; as a stone and a stone signifies deceitfull weights, Deuteronomy 25:13-14.

Psalms 12:3

proud things] Heb. great things, Daniel 7:8.

Psalms 12:4

With our tongue will we prevail] We are able to perswade to whatsoever we take in hand.

our lips are our own] We have skill, power and liberty to speak.

are our own] Heb. are with us.

who is lord over us?] Who shall appoint us what we shall say?

Psalms 12:5

For the oppression of the poor] God is moved with the complaints of the poor, and sets them at liberty for his promise sake.

saith the Lord] He alludeth to some particular promise which God had made him.

that puffeth at him] See Notes on Psalms 10:5.

puffeth at him] Or, would ensnare him.

Psalms 12:6

The words of the Lord] It is like he means the promise of the kingdom made to him, though it be true of all Gods word, Psalms 19:8. Proverbs 30:5.

pure words] Without drosse of falshood sticking to them, or mingled with it.

as silver tried in a furnace of earth] 2 Samuel 23:31. Psalms 18:30. and Psalms 119:140. Proverbs 30:5.

purified seven times] That is, many times, 1 Samuel 2:5. Proverbs 24:16. and Proverbs 26:25.

Psalms 12:7

Thou shalt keep them] Meaning the poor and needy, spoken of, v. 5.

them] Heb. him: that is, every one of them.

Psalms 12:8

when the vilest men are exalted] Vile men in authority, set up wicked men, and pull down good men, Prov. 28. 12, 28. and 29. 2.

the vilest men are exalted] Heb. the vilest of the sonnes of men are exalted.