Wednesday, August 7 – Psalms 12, 13

1. How is the Word of the Lord compared to that of flatterers? Psalm 12:6

2. What do the wicked do when vileness is exalted? Psalm 12:8

3. How does David feel amid the attacks of his enemies? Psalm 13:1

Commentary and Reflection:

Regarding Psalm 12, the Adventist Bible Commentary states,

“Much in the manner of Elijah, who complained that “I, even I only, am left” (1 Kings 19:10), Ps. 12 begins by decrying the general wickedness of society. The prayer of the psalmist for deliverance is speedily answered, and God interposes to protect His own. The eight verses of the psalm make four regular stanzas. “SDABC, Introduction to Psalm 12

David laments the lack of loyalty among the people surrounding him. Loyalty is precious, and we must seek it in our relationships—loyalty to God, marriage, family, and friends.

Loyalty requires sincerity. David mentions lying, flattery, and a double heart. There is something hidden behind a double heart. Genuine sincerity has no duplicity. Another figure for sincerity is transparency. Nothing is hidden; everything is in plain sight. We should not be people with hidden agendas and duplicity. Let’s practice transparency in our relationships, especially in marriage and with friends.

In contrast to flatterers, “The words of the Lord are pure words, Like silver tried in a furnace of earth, Purified seven times.the words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a clay furnace, purified seven times.” See verse 6.

Another interesting thought in the Psalm is in verse 8. Evil people abound when vileness is held in high regard. In other words, evil people gather where values are degraded, just as flies gather around something rotten.

Regarding Psalm 13, the Adventist Bible Commentary states,

“Psalm Ps. 13 begins with protest (vs. 1, 2), passes through prayer (vs. 3, 4), and concludes with praise (vs. 5, 6). In it the psalmist, seemingly forsaken of God, despairs over his daily persecution at the hands of the enemy, prays earnestly that God will come to his help, and realizes the answer to his prayer in a fresh measure of faith and hope. The dramatic transition from step to step makes this short poem remarkable. It is probable that David composed this psalm out of the constant trial that he suffered at the hands of Saul. The psalm is an encouraging example of the fact that when good men feel forsaken of God, it is their privilege to cry to Him and realize the sweet assurance of His care.” SDABC, Introduction to Psalm 13

Indeed, we have cried out to God from the depths of our hearts in some challenging situation, “How long, oh Lord?” as David does. This Psalm is a prayer. I am always amazed that David wrote his prayers, which were later repeated in worship. He practiced transparency, not hiding anything. There is relief in transparency, relief in prayer, and relief in writing the prayer. I don’t know if David published it for that reason, but it is a fact that it is therapeutic.

Although he cries out, “How long?” he concludes with a hopeful note. He cries out to God amid the trial, but he does so, trusting in His mercy and acknowledging that the Lord has dealt bountifully with him; therefore, he praises Him with a song. Is there something here we can learn?

May the Lord grant you a day of joy.