Tyndale Open Study Notes

Verse 1

Ps 12 This community lament seeks the Lord’s help against the prevalence of evil. Because of the Lord’s answer, the godly can face the future knowing that God protects them.

12:1-4 Evil becomes so pervasive that the godly pray for rescue (Isa 57:1; Mic 7:2; cp. Pss 1:6; 37:20; 58:7; 104:35).

Verse 4

12:4 The words they say reveal the character of the wicked. They deceive and overpower the godly and arrogantly question the Lord’s purposes.

Verse 6

12:6 The godly can rely on the Lord’s promises, but not on the lies of the wicked (12:2-4). • Seven times means totally or completely.

Verse 7

12:7-8 The godly know that the Lord cares, even though the wicked continue to oppress them. The Lord sees the corrupt and foolish people who praise evildoers (see 9:19-20; 14:2-6).