Psalm 12/Full

Authorship

This Psalm was authored by David.

Outline

(This began as Wendland's Expository Outline, but may be adapted.)

I. A cry for help because the godly man ceases. (1)

A. Faithful fail from among the children of men.

B. They speak vanity with flattering lips and a double heart.

II. God will cut off the words of the wicked. (2-4)

A. They speak proud words.

B. They say, “With our tongue will we prevail.”

C. They declare, “Our lips are our own.”

D. They ask, “Who is Lord over us?”

III. The Word of God. (5-7)

A. Will go forth because of the oppression of the poor and the sighing of the needy.

B. Will set the oppressed in safety.

C. Is pure, purified, and preserved to all generations.

IV. Ungodly men walk on every side (are multiplied), when the vilest men are exalted. (8)

Textual Criticism

The following is from Barthélemy's Critique textuelle de l’Ancien Testament volume on the Psalms. For a key to the various symbols and abbreviations, click here.

Ps 12,2(1) פַּסּוּ {A}

Ps 12,7(6) בַּעֲלִיל לָאָרֶץ {A}

Ps 12,8(7) זוּ לְעוֹלָם {A}