Psalms 12:6-8

6 And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold[a] refined seven times.
7 You, LORD, will keep the needy safe and will protect us forever from the wicked,
8 who freely strut about when what is vile is honored by the human race.

Psalms 12:6-8 Meaning and Commentary

To the chief Musician upon Sheminith, a Psalm of David. The word "sheminith" is used in the title of Psalm 6:1, and signifies "eighth"; and intends either the eighth note, to which the psalm was sung, or rather the harp of eight chords, to which it was set, as the Targum and Jarchi interpret it. Some Jewish writers {y} understand it of the times of the Messiah; and the Syriac version entitles the psalm, "an accusation of the wicked, and a prophecy concerning the coming of the Messiah:" and the Arabic version says, it is concerning the end of the world, which shall be in the eighth day; and concerning the coming of the Messiah: but Arnobius interprets it of the Lord's day.

{y} Sepher Lekach Shechachah apud Caphtor, fol. 64. 1. & Ceseph Misnah in Maimon. Hilch. Teshuvah, c. 9.

Cross References 6

  • 1. S 2 Samuel 22:31; Psalms 18:30; Proverbs 30:5
  • 2. S Job 23:10; S Job 28:1; Isaiah 48:10; Zechariah 13:9
  • 3. Psalms 119:140
  • 4. Psalms 16:1; Psalms 27:5
  • 5. Psalms 37:28; John 17:12
  • 6. Psalms 55:10-11

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Probable reading of the original Hebrew text; Masoretic Text "earth"
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.