Psalms 12:2-8

2 (11-3) They have spoken vain things, every one to his neighbour: with deceitful lips, and with a double heart have they spoken.

3 (11-4) May the Lord destroy all deceitful lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things.

4 (11-5) Who have said: We will magnify our tongue: our lips are our own: who is Lord over us?

5 (11-6) By reason of the misery of the needy, and the groans of the poor, now will I arise, saith the Lord. I will set him in safety: I will deal confidently in his regard.

6 (11-7) The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried by the fire, purged from the earth, refined seven times.

7 (11-8) Thou, O Lord, wilt preserve us: and keep us from this generation for ever.

8 (11-9) The wicked walk round about: according to thy highness, thou hast multiplied the children of men.

Psalms 12:2-8 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.