1.0 God’s Evaluation

First,
Psalm 14:2 (KJV) “The LORD looked down from Heaven upon the Children of Men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.” First, the LORD {Jehovah} looks down from Heaven on the Whole Human Race; the thought is that of looking intently as from the Watchtower.

• God Looks upon Humanity to see if there is any that understands and seeks after Him.
• God is Seeking for such a Person who might be seeking Him.   
• Psalm 14:1 illustrates that God is Omniscient and desires a relationship with Humanity.
• Psalm 14:2 (KJV) reveals God’s Perspective on Humanity: – God’s Search: The Lord looks down from heaven, seeking those who understand and seek Him. God’s Sovereignty: God’s active involvement in human affairs.
• Human Accountability: Psalm 14:3 highlights humanity’s accountability to God, emphasizing our need to seek and understand Him. Human Responsibility: The importance of seeking and understanding God.
• Psalm 14:3 sets the tone for the Psalm, emphasizing God’s search for those who genuinely seek Him

Second,

Psalm 14:3 suggests that God is actively looking for people who possess deep desire and are intentionally seeking Him. Psalm 14:3 is often used to emphasize the need for Humanity to actively pursue God through seeking wisdom and a deeper relationship, as opposed to a passive approach. 

• God’s Perspective: Psalm 14:2 portrays God as observing all of Humanity from a transcendent, heavenly perspective. His view is more comprehensive than any Person, as His gaze is upon all People.
• God Perceives that not one Person has spiritual understanding, and no one seeks after the Lord. This is especially true in the case of those who reject God entirely (Psalm 14:1).
• Spiritual Understanding: The term “Understand” in Psalm 14:1 refers to spiritual insight and the wisdom to live according to God’s Ways. It implies a recognition of Divine Truth/Presence that goes beyond worldly knowledge.
• Seeking God: The Phrase “seek God” indicates a deliberate, active pursuit of a relationship with Him, which involves faith, obedience, and a turning towards Him.
• Human Condition: Psalm 14:2 is often paired, which describes Humanity as having “gone aside” and become corrupt. This highlights the contrast between Human Failings and God’s Persistent Longing for those who seek Him.
• Encouragement to Pursue: Psalm 14:2 serves as an encouragement to Believers to actively engage in their faith through Prayer, Studying Scripture, and seeking a deeper Relationship with Him (God). It underscores that a relationship with God is a pursuit, not a passive state. 
• The LORD looks [down] from Heaven; He sees all the sons of man; From His dwelling place He looks closely Upon all the Inhabitants of the earth— He who fashions the hearts of them all, who considers and understands all that they do.
• Psalms remind us to remember the God who is the beginning and end of all things, to rest in His Sovereignty, and to have joy in all circumstances.

Although God has revealed Himself in nature (Psalm 19:1), the Person who lacks spiritual understanding (1 Corinthians 2:14) rejects this revelation. In Psalm 8:1 David exclaims, “O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your Name in all the earth!” Paul writes in Romans 1:19–20, “For what can be known about God is plain to [everyone], because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So, they are without excuse.”

1.1 God’s Verdict

Psalm 14:3 (KJV) “They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy; there is none that does good, no, not one.” Psalm 14:3 states that “They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy; there is none that does good, no, not one”  

First,

Psalm 14;3 is part of a larger Psalm that describes the corrupt nature of Humanity, arguing that without God, all people have fallen short of what is right, leading them to moral decay. It is a declaration of the depravity of Humanity and the absence of any naturally righteous person in God’s eyes. 

• Context: Psalm 14:3 appears in a Psalm where “the Fool” is one who denies God’s Existence. In contrast, the righteous person understands God’s Presence and lives according to His Ways.
• Meaning: Psalm 14:3 suggests that no human is inherently good; all have turned away from God and become spiritually “filthy” or corrupt.
• Interpretation: Some interpretations view Psalm 14:3 as a description of universal sinfulness, stating that it is impossible for anyone to be truly righteous on their own.
• Related Verses: The sentiment is echoed in other parts of the Bible, such as Romans 3:10-12, which states, “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one”.

Second,

The total rebellion of the Human Race: “All….together…..none…..no, not one.” The first characteristic of Humanity is that they have “gone aside” from God and became “tinted” (“filthy”) in their Nature – Job 15:16 (KJV) “How much more abominable and filthier is man, who drinks iniquity (evil) like water!” Of his own volition (will), unredeemed Person will always lean toward evil. Without God’s Grace operating in his life, his Fallen Nature can only produce Folly and Sinful Lusts. Hence, without exception, all are Workers of Evil (Iniquity):

• Gone Aside – The indictment begins with all Humanity has “gone aside” (Psalm 14:3a) means “To turn the Person’s back on God” (Jeremiah 2:21) and refused to fulfil the Purpose for which he was created – to Glorify God.
• Filthy – The word “filthy” (Psalm 14:3b), a word that describes milk that has become rancid (spoiled). Both Jews and Gentiles, without God have fallen into moral corruption: “They have all together become filthy” (Psalm 14:3b).
• Isaiah 53:6a concurs: “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way.” – Universally, Collectively, and Individually, Human Beings are in their Sinful Nature. 
• No Seekers – There were no Seekers. The Psalmist indicted the Whole Human Race because the Human Race “Has gone aside…….there is none that does good.” (Psalm 14:3). Then in an emphatic repetition, God says “No, not one” (Psalm 14:3b).
• Paul quotes this in Romans 3:11-12 as part of the Proof that the Whole World is guilty before God. In the Divine Court Mankind has been arraigned (accused), Jews and Gentiles alike, with the verdict: “There is no difference.”
• Human Depravity does not mean all are Wicked People but rather it simply means that all have the “Fallen Nature” and apart from God’s Saving Grace through the Lord Jesus Christ, we are Eternally Lost.

1.2 Strong Objection

Psalm 14:4 (KJV) “Have all the Workers of Iniquity no knowledge, who eat up my People as they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD?” 

First,

Psalm 14:4 gives us three more Indictments:Psalm 14:4 (KJV), asks if the “Workers of Iniquity,” or Evildoers, have any understanding. It describes them as those who oppress God’s People as casually as they eat bread, and who do not call on the LORD for guidance or help. This verse questions the Wicked’ s lack of knowledge and their cruel, self-serving behaviour towards the righteous. 

• Workers of Iniquity: This refers to People who live without God and act with cruelty and injustice.
• Eat up My People as they eat bread: This is a metaphor for the oppressive and casual way the Wicked harm or exploit God’s People, treating them as a daily necessity or a resource to be consumed.
• Call not upon the LORD: This emphasizes that these Individuals have no spiritual or moral guidance because they do not acknowledge or pray to God.
• Lack of Knowledge: Psalm 14:4 ultimately questions if these Evildoers have any true understanding of what they are doing or the consequences of their actions, implying they are acting with a blind, brutal indifference

Second,

Divine Injunction – Psalm 14:4a “Have all the Workers of Iniquity no knowledge?” – David marvels at the wilful ignorance of Evildoers, as do other Psalmists (Psalm 82:5). Living as if God does not exist, they can persecute God’s People without a twinge of conscience. The expression “eat up My people as they eat bread” is a metaphor for abusing others through oppression and hardship, especially the Poor and the Helpless (Proverbs 30:14; Psalm 27:1–2). This idea can also encompass other abuses of power, such as court cases (Psalm 72:2; James 2:6) or military violence (Psalm 79:1). Micah chapter 3 rebukes the Rulers of Jacob and Israel for choosing sin over goodness. This included:

• Corruption and Injustice (Micah 3:9–11). Their abuse of those whom they were supposed to lead is pictured in graphic terms similar to Psalm 14.
• Symbolically, they tear the flesh from God’s People. They “flay their skin from off them, and break their bones in pieces and chop them up like meat in a pot, like flesh in a cauldron” (Micah 3:3).
• Atheism – Whether through outright Atheism or Indifference, such Leaders clearly see no reason to call on the Lord (Psalm 14:1).
• Down through the Ages, God has had a Remnant of Believers who honour Him (Genesis 45:7; Romans 11:5).
• Evil Unbelievers have also been present in every age to persecute the Faithful (John 16:33).

Questions why those who do evil lack understanding of God’s Ways. It suggests that their focus on their own sinful desires makes them blind to the consequences of their actions, lacking moral discernment and the ability to seek God. 

• Lack of Knowledge: Psalm 14:4a points to a deliberate ignorance or wilful lack of understanding among those who do wrong. The first truth concerning the Wicked is they have “no knowledge” (14:4a).  That does not mean they are ignorant in the academic sense, but in the moral and spiritual sense.  They are fools, not because they have a deficiency of intellect, but because they have rejected God and therefore lack spiritual discernment and insight (Psalm 14:1).
• Psalm 14:4a (KJV) is a rhetorical question, highlighting the stark reality: wilful ignorance: Those who persist in wickedness are wilfully ignorant of God’s Ways.
• Moral Accountability: Psalm 14;4a emphasizes their accountability for their actions, implying they know what they are doing is wrong.
• God’s Justice: God’s Awareness of Human actions and intentions. Human Depravity: The Psalmist’s critique of Humanity’s sinful state.
• The question underscores the culpability of those who reject God’s ways
• Focus on Sin: They are so consumed by their own wicked desires that they fail to see the effects of their actions or consider God’s judgment.
• Moral Blindness: This lack of knowledge extends to a failure to discern between good and evil and a rejection of any moral compass.
• “Workers of Iniquity”: In this context, this refers to People who actively practice evil, including those who oppress and take advantage of others.
• Contrast with the Righteous: Psalm 14:4a is often read in contrast to God’s people, who are contrasted with the Wicked in the rest of the Psalm

It seems incomprehensible that the Lost Humanity is unaware of the results of Fall of Adam. Even the Heavens declare the Knowledge and Glory of God (Psalm 19:1). Everything in Creation reveals the Eternal Power of God (Romans 1:20). Therefore, how can the Workers of Iniquity claimed that they have no Knowledge of God? Fools do not know that these things will not be hidden from those who Pillage (Loot) God’s People as casually “as they eat bread” (Psalm 14:4b). 

Third,

Taking Advantage – Psalm 14:4b “Who eat up my People as they eat bread.” Psalm 14:4b, describes Evildoers who exploit and oppress God’s People as a normal, habitual, and effortless act, like eating a meal. Psalm14:4b, part of a larger passage (Psalm 14:4-6), portrays the Wicked as those who act with no knowledge or fear of God, consuming the righteous without remorse: 

• Exploitation: The imagery of “eating” people like bread suggests a total and ruthless consumption of their resources, security, and well-being.
• Normalizing Evil: The comparison to eating bread indicates that for these Evildoers, harming God’s People is a simple, casual, and routine part of their lives, not something they question or feel guilty about.
• Lack of Wisdom: Psalm 14:4b comes with the preceding clause, “Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge?” which sets up the behaviour as a result of spiritual foolishness and a rejection of God’s Ways.
• Contrast with God’s people: The passage contrasts this with the righteous, who find refuge in the Lord and are secure because God is with them.

The Fool takes advantage of God’s People – To “eat People like bread” is a biblical metaphor for exploiting the Helpless (Psalm 27:2; Psalm 35:25; Psalm 53:4; Micah 3:1-3; Lamentations 2:16; Isaiah 3:12; Jeremiah 10:25; Amos 2:6-8 and Micah 2:2; 7:3). We must not use People to an end or “treating the People as Consumer Goods,” as Eugene H Peterson expresses it. The Phrase from Psalm 14:4b, “who eat up my people as they eat bread,” describes wicked people who oppress and exploit God’s People with a disturbing sense of normalcy and greed. Like eating bread, this exploitation is seen as routine, thoughtless, and with little regret, reflecting a complete disregard for their Victims. The comparison highlights their casual and habitual cruelty, and the fact that they do not call upon the Lord for help, signifying their rejection of God and His Authority. 

• Routine and thoughtless Oppression: The simile “as they eat bread” suggests that the wicked devour God’s People with the same ease and lack of remorse as they would eat a meal. The action is considered a daily, almost unthinking part of their lives.
• Casual Cruelty: The phrase implies that these Evildoers are taking advantage of the weak and vulnerable, such as the Poor, Widows, and Orphans, as a matter of habit.
• Rejection of God: Psalm 14:4b contrasts this behaviour with the act of calling upon the Lord, which is a sign of dependence and faith. The wicked’ s failure to do so signifies a wilful rejection of God’s Guidance and Sovereignty, suggesting they are acting independently and with self-sufficiency.
• Spiritual Ignorance: The preceding question in the verse, “Have they no knowledge?” emphasizes that this behaviour stems from a wilful ignorance or a denial of God’s Existence and a rejection of His Justice.

Forth,

Failure, –Psalm 14:4c “And call not upon the LORD?” Psalm 14:4c is part of a verse that describes the wicked, who “eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD.” It highlights that those who oppress others live as if God is not present, acting with “a Practical Atheism” by denying God through their deeds, even though they may have some intellectual knowledge of Him. This contrasts with the righteous, who are assured of God’s Protection and will rejoice when He delivers them. 

• Context: Psalm 14:4c is from a Psalm that condemns those who live as though God does not exist. These “Workers of Iniquity” are portrayed as those who oppress and persecute the Poor and the Weak.
• Meaning of “call not upon the LORD“: This phrase signifies the Wicked’s rejection of God and His Authority in their lives. It is not just that they do not know God, but they live as if He is irrelevant, disregarding Him in their actions and priorities.
• The Wicked’s “Knowledge”: While they live as if God is absent, the Psalm suggests they are not entirely ignorant of Him. Psalm 14:5 states, “There were they in great fear: for God is in the generation of the righteous,” implying that even the Wicked have a latent fear of God and His judgment, which is why they are afraid when they see God’s Power manifested in the righteous.

Corruption breeds callousness (insensitivity) toward God, for “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed.” (Romans 10:14). The Unbelievers do not call upon the Name of the LORD, these People are not only forgetful of God, but they are “Devourers of His People, eating them up as a man eats bread” (Psalm 14:4b), with enjoyment, and in their depravity, they have no inclination whatsoever to call upon the LORD (Psalm 14:4c). This is the solemn conclusion concerning Mankind. If there should be any who are different, or any exceptions, it is not by nature but by God’s Grace. By nature, and by practice Human Race are Sinners, and comes under the Solemn Divine Indictments. 

1.3 General Comments

First, Psalm 14:4 “Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge?”

• That is, are they so senseless as not to perceive the consequences of their wrongdoing? or if we point the verb as the LXX. and Vulg., “shall they not know?” i.e., they are sure to find out to what their wickedness is leading them.
• Who eat up. – Literally, Eating My people, they have eaten bread; on Jehovah they have not called, which is usually explained, as in Authorised Version, “to devour God’s people has been as usual and as regular as the daily meal.”
• Another rendering is “whilst eating my people they have eaten bread, regardless of Jehovah,” i.e., they have gone on in their security eating and drinking, with no thought of the vengeance preparing for them by the God of the oppressed race.

Some, however, prefer to divide the two clauses, “Ah, they shall see–all the workers of iniquity who eat my people–they eat bread (i.e., live) regardless of Jehovah.” This makes a better parallelism. A comparison with Micah 3:3-4 suggests that this verse of the Psalm 14:4 was a Proverbial saying. (For the image, comp. Jeremiah 10:25; and Homer’s “people-devouring kings.”)

Second, Psalm 14:4 “Have all the Workers of Iniquity no knowledge?” The exclamation is put in the mouth of God.

• Can it be possible that none of these Evil-Doers is aware of the results of evildoing? Do they think to escape Divine retribution?
• The “wonder expresses the magnitude of their folly” (Hengstenberg). Who eat up my people as they eat bread. Reducing men to poverty, robbing them, and devouring their substance, is called, in Scripture, devouring the men themselves (Proverbs 30:14Isaiah 3:14; Micah 3:3). Those who are plundered and despoiled are compared to “bread” in Numbers 14:2.
• The Homeric, adduced by Dr. Kay, is an instance of the same metaphor. And call not upon the Lord.
• This might have seemed scarcely to need mention, since “how shall they call on him in whom they have not believed?” (Romans 10:14). But it connects them with the Atheists of Psalm 14:1.

Third, Psalms 14:4 – Hatred of God and corruptness of life are the motive forces which produce persecution. Men who having no saving knowledge of Divine Things, enslave themselves to become Workers of Iniquity, have no heart to cry to the Lord for deliverance, but seek to amuse themselves with devouring the poor and despised people of God.

• It is hard bondage to be “a Worker of Iniquity;” a worker at the galleys, or in the mines of Siberia, is not more truly degraded and wretched; the toil is hard and the reward dreadful: those who have no knowledge choose such slavery, but those who are taught of God cry to be rescued from it.
• The same ignorance which keeps men bondsmen to evil, makes them hate the freeborn sons of God; hence they seek to eat them up “as they eat bread,”—daily, ravenously, as though it were an ordinary, usual, every-day matter to oppress the Saints of God.
• As pikes in a pond, eat up little fish, as eagles prey on smaller birds, as wolves rend the sheep of the pasture, so Sinners naturally and as a matter of course, persecute, malign, and mock the Followers of the Lord Jesus.

While thus preying, they forswear all praying, and in this act consistently, for how could they hope to be heard while their hands are full of blood?

1.0 David’s Petition

Psalm 13:3-4 “Consider and hear me, O LORD my God; enlighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; lest my enemy say, ‘I have prevailed against him (David);’ lest those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved.” – David’s despairing need gives way to Prayer in which each necessity in turn is laid before God. Even when God appears to have forsaken him, David’s Faith holds firm. Believing Intercession is the antidote to overwhelming grief and defeat. Psalm 13:3 is David’s Prayer, with various translations including: 

• NIV “Look on me and answer, LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death.”   
• KJV “Consider and hear me, O LORD my God; lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death.”. 
• when David cries out to the Lord, he pleads, Consider and answer me, O LORD my God; Enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death (v. 3).
• In this earnest request, David humbly acknowledges God’s Power to rescue him from the brink of despair.
• When David cries out to the LORD, he pleads, Considers and answers me, “O LORD my God; Enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death” (v. 3).
• In this earnest request, he humbly acknowledges God’s Power to rescue him from the brink of despair.
• David uses of the phrase Enlightens my eyes, highlights a longing for clarity and renewed hope.
• David recognizes that if divine strength and insight are withheld, his life and well-being are in jeopardy. This desperate tone echoes the reliance on God seen throughout the Bible, reminding believers that apart from God’s sustaining power, their own efforts are insufficient (see Ephesians 2 for the notion of spiritual life springing from God’s grace). David sets an example by turning to the Lord in prayer rather than trusting solely in human means or personal resolve.

Psalms 13:3 is a desperate plea to God for an answer, a restoration of strength (symbolized by “light to my eyes”), and a rescue from an enemy, lest the speaker “sleep in death” or be overcome by their troubles. 

1.1 David’s Lamentation

Psalm 13:3a “Consider and hear me, O LORD my God.” – David’s heartfelt plea for God’s Attention! Psalm 13:3a reveals David’s deep longing for God’s attention, consideration, and response. Here are some key insights, of David’s Plea- Psalm 13:3 is part of David’s heartfelt cry of distress and fear.  

• David pleads with God for an answer. The verb for “consider” literally means “look,” in contrast to God’s averted face in Psalm 13:1. The request David asks God to heart is “Enlighten my eyes.” Otherwise, he says his eyes will close in death and his enemies will triumph
• David’s eyes are “enlightened,” or made to “shine” when God looks upon David once again, “lifting up” the light of (His) countenance” upon him (Psalm 89:15).
• In the words of Psalm 36:9, “In Your Light we see light.” Thus, David is “enlightened” when his “relationship” with God is restored.
• As John puts it, “God is Light and in Him is no darkness at all…. If we walk in the Light as He is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another.”  (1John 1:5, 7).
• At the same time, the restoration of the relationship brings the truth (Word) of God to David again.
• David’s Prayer: “Enlighten my eyes,” is also a Prayer for that truth.
• The alternative to this enlightenment, both relationally and conceptually, is death and defeat. So, David asks God to light up his eyes: “Lest I sleep the sleep of death;/lest my enemy say, /I have prevailed against him; Lest those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved” (Psalm 13:3-4).
• The ultimate Answer to the disaster of death, and the triumph of the Enemy is God’s Presence, His Face turned toward David and David’s face turned toward Him.
• Paul speaks of the Power of seeing God’s Glory “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2Corinthians 3:18).
• David is not only asking for a resolution to his struggles, but also an explanation
• Part of David’s struggle is his effort to make right decisions, especially in the face of a powerful enemy (Psalm 13:2).
• David asks God to light up his eyes. In Hebrew thinking, light was the embodiment of wisdom, truth, and goodness.
• David is asking God to grant him a proper perspective on his troubling situation. James 1:5 directs Believers to pray for wisdom when facing trials (James 1:2–8).
• David also longs for encouragement. He seems resigned to death and defeat unless God intervenes.
• Many of the threats David faced in his life were lethal, including those from men like King Saul (1 Samuel 19:1–2).
• Fear of death was not an exaggerated reaction, but a very real concern.
• Apostle Paul must have felt discouraged when he asked the Lord three times to remove his “thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7–8), but the Lord did not remove it. Instead, He told Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
• No trial can overwhelm the Believer who draws encouragement by relying on God’s all-sufficient grace.
• David, as well, retains his trust in God despite these hard circumstances (Psalm 13:5–6).
• The terms “Consider and hear me” are an urgent request for God to stop ignoring David’s Plead and to give him attention. 
• A cry for intervention – Following this plea, David, asks God to “lighten mine eyes” or “enlighten my eyes,” which is a metaphor for giving hope, guidance, and a reason to keep living. 
• A fear of spiritual death –  The phrase “lest I sleep the sleep of death” conveys a fear of both physical and spiritual death, a sense of being completely abandoned and defeated. 
• Context of despair – Psalm 13:3 is part of a larger Psalm where David feels his enemies are “exalted over him” and he is daily filled with sorrow. He is asking God for help to overcome his despair and the power of his enemies
• Consider: David asks God to carefully consider his situation, to examine his circumstances, and to understand his emotional pain.
• Hear me: David implores God to listen to his Petition, to hear his cries for help, and to respond to his needs. This is David’s cry for God’s Presence.
• O LORD my God”: David addresses God as his Personal Lord and God, emphasizing his intimate relationship and his trust in God’s Character. This speaks of David’s intimacy and relationship with his (David’s) God.

Prayer is David’s Medicine against depression in the face of it. David wants relief. He (David) has not raised his complaints solely for the therapeutic value of complaining. He has come to God, seeking an Answer.

1.2 Spiritual Insight

Psalm 13:3b “Enlighten my eyes.” – David’s poignant (moving) request for spiritual insight! Psalm 13:3b reveals David’s desire for spiritual illumination, guidance, and understanding. Here are some key insights, of spiritual insight:

• Emotional Darkness: David feels overwhelmed by his emotional pain, which has led to a sense of spiritual darkness and confusion.
• Need for Guidance: David recognizes his need for God’s Guidance and Illumination to navigate his challenging circumstances.
• Spiritual Insight: David asks God to enlighten his eyes, which means granting him spiritual insight, understanding, and discernment.
• Hope and Guidance: By requesting enlightenment, David is seeking hope and guidance to help him cope with his difficulties and find the way forward.
• Faith in God’s Power: David trusts that God has the Power to enlighten his eyes and grant him spiritual insight. Trust in God’s Illumination.
• Confidence in God’s Guidance: By asking for enlightenment, David demonstrates his confidence in God’s Guidance and Promises.

1.3 Defeat Awaits?

Psalm 13:3c “Lest I sleep the sleep of death.” – Psalm 13:3c is David’s desperate plea to avoid spiritual and physical defeat.  Psalm 13:3c reveals David’s deep concern about the consequences of God’s seeming inaction. Here are some key insights of David’s fear of “spiritual death:”

• Spiritual Complacency: David fears that if God does not intervene, he might become spiritually complacent, losing his vitality and passion for God.
• Separation from God: David is concerned that if he “sleeps the sleep of death,” he will be separated from God’s Presence, Guidance, and Blessing.
• Mortal Danger: David may also be fearing physical harm or death at the hands of his Enemies.
• Desperation for God’s Deliverance: By mentioning “the sleep of death,” David is expressing his desperate need for God’s Deliverance and Protection of the physical danger.
• Faith in God’s Power: Despite his fears, David trusts that God has the Power to intervene and save him.
• Confidence in God’s Love: David, by crying out to God, David demonstrates his confidence in God’s Love, Mercy, and Willingness to deliver him.

1.4 David’s Enemy Reacts

Psalm 13:4a “Lest my enemy say, ‘I have prevailed against him (David).” –  David concerns for God’s Reputation and David’s own honour!  Psalm 13:4a reveals David’s concern about the potential consequences of God’s seeming inaction. Here are some key insights of God’s Reputation:

• God’s Honor: David is concerned that if God does not intervene, his enemy will claim victory, which would tarnish God’s Reputation and honour.
• Faithfulness and Power: David wants God to demonstrate His Faithfulness and Power by delivering him from his Enemy.
• Personal Reputation: David is also concerned about his (David’s) own reputation and honour. If his Enemy prevails, David’s reputation as God’s Servant will be tarnished.
• Trust in God’s Deliverance: By expressing this concern, David is demonstrating his trust in God’s ability to deliver him and protect him and his reputation.
• Urgency: David’s concern for God’s Reputation and his own honour adds the sense of urgency to his plea for God’s Intervention.
• Faith in God’s Character: Despite his concerns, David remains confident in God’s Character, trusting that He (God) will act to protect His own reputation and deliver His Servant, David.

1.5 David’s Enemy Rejoices

Psalm 13:4b “Lest those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved.” – David is concerned for his Enemy’s gloating and David’s own stability! Psalm 13:4b reveals David’s concern about the potential consequences of his own instability and God’s seeming inaction. Here are some key insights, of David’s Enemy’s Gloating:

• Triumphalism: David is concerned that if he is shaken or moved (perhaps emotionally or physically), his Enemies will rejoice and gloat over his misfortune.
• Taunting and Mocking: David’s Enemies might taunt and mock him, saying, “Where is your God now?” or “Your God has abandoned you!”
• Emotional Turmoil: David is aware of his own emotional vulnerability and the potential for his Enemies to exploit his instability.
• Trust in God’s Stability: By expressing this concern, David is implicitly trusting in God’s Sovereignty, recognizing that his own stability is rooted in God’s Presence and Power.
• Preventing Enemy Triumph: David’s plea is motivated by the desire to prevent his Enemies from triumphing over him and to protect his own reputation and stability.
• Faith in God’s Deliverance: Despite his concerns, David remains confident in God’s ability to deliver him, stabilize him, and silence his Enemies.

1.0 The Statement

Psalm 13 was written by David but it is not possible to establish with certainty the Period of David’s Life to which Psalm 13 belongs. Psalm 13 is the Cry of the Person in distress because the Cry of “How long?” is mentioned four times. Luther says, “This is the Prayer full of the sighing and groaning of an afflicted heart in the hour of darkness, and almost overwhelmed, under that darkness, with the extreme of grief and sorrow, and driven to the greatest strait of mind.”

Psalm 13 could have been written during the days of his (David’s) Persecution by King Saul, who made 15 attempts on David’s Life. Or Psalm 13 could be the reflection of the sad days of his (David’s) Exile from his rebellious son, Absalom.   

Many of God’s People, in every Age, could associate themselves with David in Psalm 13 – We have been brought to the limit of despair and sorrow. Spurgeon remarks: “If the Reader has never yet found occasion to use the language of this brief ode (verses), he will do so ere long, if he be a man after God’s Own Heart (Acts 13:22b; 1Samuel 13:14).”  Psalm 13 could be divided into three Sections:

• The First Section is Psalm 13:1-2 is all Mourning.
• The Second Section is Psalm 13:3-4 to do with Praying.
• The Third Section Psalm 13:5-6 concludes Psalm 13 with Singing.

The three Pairs of Verses {Psalm 13:1-2; Psalm 13:3-4; Psalm 13:5-6) climb up from the depths of despair (Psalm 13:1-2) to the fine vantage-point of Confidence and Hope (Psalm 13:3-6).

If the Path is Prayer (Psalm 13:3), the Sustaining Energy is the Faith expressed in Psalm 13:5. The Prospect from the Summit (Psalm 13:5) is exhilarating, and the retrospect (Psalm 13:6) is overwhelming. There is in Psalm 13 is the basic reversal in Attitude: (1) From Complaint to Trust; (2) From Desolation to Delight; (3) From Grief to Joy; (4) From Distress to Rest.

This Change of Perspective Characterises not only Psalm 13, but almost one-third of all the Psalms (Psalms 3; Psalm 5; Psalm 6; Psalm 7; Psalm 13; Psalm 17; Psalm 22; Psalm 25; Psalm 26; Psalm 27; Psalm 28; Psalm 31; Psalm 35; Psalm 36; Psalm 38; Psalm 39; Psalm 40; Psalm 42; Psalm 43; Psalm 51; Psalm 54; Psalm 55; Psalm 56; Psalm 57; Psalm 59; Psalm 61; Psalm 64; Psalm 69; Psalm 70; Psalm 71; Psalm 86; Psalm 88; Psalm 102; Psalm 108; Psalm 109; Psalm 130; Psalm 139; Psalm 140; Psalm 141; Psalm 142; Psalm 143). Such Psalms are usually called Psalms of Individual Lament. We can best understand Psalm 13 by considering it in terms of these elements, or constitutive Parts.

Murphy Writes: “In the three Couplets of Psalm 13, we have an Expostulation {Objection}, the Petition, and the Confession of Faith. It reminds us of the time when David said in his heart, “I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul (1Samuel 27:1);” but he (David) continues, “His (David’s) cry rises from sadness into hope.” (Psalm 13:5-6).

Superscription – “To the Chief Musician.” Fifty-five Psalms are committed to the Care of the Chief Musician. The first is in Psalm 4. It was David himself who introduced Music and Song into the National Worship (Tabernacle of, and the Chief Musician appears to have been the Director of Music with the Special Collection of Psalms in his care (1Chronicles 6:31,32; 1Chronicles 15:16-22; 1Chronicles 25:1,7).

1.1 The Silence of God

Psalms 13:1-2 “How long will You forget me, O LORD? Forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? How long shall mind Enemy be exalted over me? – Psalm 13:1-2, David, “the Man after God’s Heart” (Acts 13:22b; 1Samuel 13:14b) revealed his deepest feelings, in God’s Presence. David, in Psalm 13:1-2, inspired by the Holy Spirit, admits his own experience of God’s Silence.

• Psychologists and Counsellors tell us that unacknowledged and therefore unresolved feelings lie at the heart of a vast array of behavioural problems, even among the Christians.
• Acknowledging how we feel, then, is not wrong. It is the place to start. So, the first step in dealing with the experience of “God’s Silence” is to acknowledge it. This David does in Psalms 13:1-2.

God’s Silence – Psalms 13:1a “How long will You forget me, O LORD? Forever?” I have never heard anyone talk about experiencing God’s Silence. But as I read the Bible – especially the Psalms – I am convinced that it is not uncommon for Christians to pass through such experience. David candidly revealed his deepest feelings. David, the man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:33b; 1Samuel 13:14b), in the Psalm inspired by the Holy Spirit Himself, admits his own experience of God’s Silence. The central body of a typical Psalm of Lament consists of the Complaint and the Petition, and Resolute. Either of which can come first and both of which are oft repeated. In Psalm 13 the Complaint comes first as the Psalmist pours out his distress “How long, O Lord? Will Thou forget me for ever?”

The Debate – In a famous debate between theologians Paul Tillich and Karl Barth, Tillich claimed that our theology should be an “answering theology.” This means that the world asks the questions which theology then answers. For Tillich the issue was one of relevance.

1.1.1 Addressing “Felt- Needs” –

Psychologists teach us that we should address “felt needs.” Psychologists state that honestly addressing “felt needs” is important because it:

• Builds Trust: When you acknowledge and address people’s genuine concerns, they feel heard and understood.
• Increases Engagement: Addressing felt needs shows that an Individual values and respects Others’ thoughts and feelings.
• Fosters Loyalty: When People feel understood and supported, they are more likely to remain Loyal and Committed.
• Promotes Effective Solutions: By understanding the root causes of concerns, an Individual develops targeted solutions that meet actual needs.
• Reduces Frustration: Ignoring or dismissing “felt needs” leads to increased frustration and conflict.

In various contexts, such as business, education, or personal relationships, acknowledging and addressing “felt needs” can lead to more effective communication, increased satisfaction, and stronger relationships/partnership.

1.1.2 Suppressing “Felt Needs”

Psychologists stated that suppressing “felt needs” can be damaging because it leads to:

• Increased Frustration: Unaddressed “felt needs” simmers beneath the surface, causing growing resentment and frustration.
• Decreased Trust: When People feel their “felt needs” are being ignored/dismissed, they lose trust in the Individual/organization/system.
• Reduced Motivation: Unmet “felt needs” demotivates Individuals, leading to decreased productivity, engagement, and overall well-being.
• Escalating Conflicts: Ignoring or suppressing “felt needs” causes conflicts to escalate, potentially leading to more severe consequences.
• Negative impact on Mental Health: Chronic suppression of “felt needs” contributes to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

By acknowledging and addressing “felt needs,” Individuals/Organizations create a more supportive and inclusive environment that fosters growth, trust, and well-being.

1.2 Psalms 13

could also be called “How-Long Psalm.” The cry “how long” is mentioned four times. Psalm 13 is the Personal and Poignant (Moving) Cry. Its initial mood is one of tedious frustration and strained patience.  Expressed in this brief Psalm are the deepest longings of a troubled soul.

David laid in bed with only his thought to wrestle with, and the lack of spiritual victory in his life, at this moment, led him to believe that his Enemy gloated in his experience (Psalm 13:2b). This is the experience of God’s Silence.

• Not the self-imposed exile of un-confessed sin.
• Not simply the feeling of the lack of Guidance.
• Not even the experience of waiting months or even years before seeing the specific Prayer answered.

David feels better during the day but at night, he wrestles with his thoughts, God’s Silence is real; it aches, and sleep comes hard. It feels like a vast sorrow with no cause, a deep fear of an unknown threat – Psalm 13:2a “How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily?”

• David is reduced almost to utter despair as he was undergoing lengthened persecution of trouble (Psalm 13:2b) – it seems that the Divine countenance has been turned away from him – Psalm 13:1 “How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?”
• It seems to him (David) that God has altogether forgotten him. He is in extreme perplexity and distress in and raises the cry – Psalm 13:2 “How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? How long will my enemy be exalted over me?

David Overcomes his despair by looking to God – In Psalm 13:3-4, David passes “From Protest to Prayer; and in Psalm 13:5-6 David Proceeds “From Prayer to Praise, having (apparently) through his Prayer received an Assurance of God’s Help. The tone of the Psalm 13 suits the time when he was “hunted in the wilderness and mountains,” by King Saul (1Samuel chapters 24 & 26).

1.2.1 Forsaken?

Psalm 13:1a (KJV) “How long will You forget me, O LORD, forever?” – The four times David’s repeated cry: “How long?” of Psalm 13:1-2, shows the depth of David’s feeling. David feels God has forgotten – abandoned him? No, God, in His Silence, is drawing David to Himself. However, because David does not understand, the experience of God’s Silence, he (David) feels that God is far from his life.

• Psalm 13:1a “How long will You forget me, O LORD? Forever?”
• Psalm 13:1b “How long will You hide Your face from me?”
• Psalm 13:2a “How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily?”
• Psalm 13:2b “How long shall mind Enemy be exalted over me?”

It betokens very intense desire for deliverance and great anguish of heart. The deep cry of “how long” suggests the deep searching of heart. “How-long” does not indicate hopeless despair but heart-agonising desire. God seems delays are designed to test the reality of our Faith. David’s “how long” poignant (moving) enough in itself is.

W. Wilson writes: “Let everyone, then, who may be tempted to use the complaints of Psalm13, assure his heart that God does not forget His People, help will come at last, and, in the meantime, all things shall work together for good to them that love Him.”

Notice the increased force of the cry as it is put into Poetic Form. David repeats his cry four times: “How long?” Certainly, the thrust of David’s Lament is communicated with his first utterance, “How long will You forget me O LORD forever?” (Psalm 13:1a). But the full force of David’s distress comes only through his repeated cries of anguish of, “how long,” which spell out his despair.

• David, even in his despair, recognises his ongoing relationship with his God.
• It is only God’s Presence that his (David’s) deepest despair can be dealt with.
• David calls God by the Name: “Yahweh (O LORD), answer me.”
• David does not embellish his cry to the LORD with flattery.
• It is enough to reaffirm the Covenantal Context between God and His People when God revealed to Moses that His Name is Yahweh, meaning “I AM the One who is present to you and available” (Exodus 3:13-15).
• God said that He is David’s God; now David responds, accepting that fact as his starting point.
• David does not shy away from direct address; neither does he address God as a Stranger. He comes to Him in Faith, as is appropriate for the Child of God.

Philip Yancey – This is the same question reflected in the Title of Philip Yancey’s excellent book: “Where is God when it Hurts?” The experience of God’s Silence is not unique to us. Others – Giants of the Faith – have stood here before us. And so, the first step to take in dealing with the experience is to acknowledge it (Philip Yancey, “Where is God When It Hurts?” Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1977). At that time, I had never heard anyone talk about the experiencing the feeling God’s Silence. But as I read the Bible – especially Psalms – I am convinced that it is not uncommon for Christians to pass through such experience.

1.2.2 Hopelessness?

Psalm 13:1b (KJV) “How long will You hide Your face from me?” – When David complaints that God “Hides His Face,” the meaning of the phrase is that He (God) “Withdraws His Favour.”

• David uses carefully chosen language to express his distress. His words are used for their symbolism and force. David’s words are also part of the Poetry.
• The Language is not meant to be the scientific description of David’s Predicament but is selected to convey the situation that he experienced and felt it. “Forget” and “Hide Your face,” both have to do with the seeming absence of God’s Presence and help in his (David’s) time of distress.
• David longs for intimate Fellowship with his God (Psalms 11:7; Psalm 17:15). The experience of God’s Presence is far from David’s life. His initial mood is one of tedious frustration and strained patience.

Jesus words on the Cross, “My God, My God, why has You forsaken Me?” (Mark 15:34; Psalm 22:1). David has no illusion that he will be able to pull himself up by his own bootstraps. Nor is there a turning inward to find God’s Peace in Meditation. Rather, David brings his predicament to God.

Dieterich Bonhoeffer, in his brief meditation on the Psalms, states: “There is in the Psalms no quick and easy resignation to suffering. There is always struggles, anxiety, doubt…..But even in the deepest hopelessness God alone remains the one address.” It is significant that these Comments were first published in 1940 during Bonhoeffer’s Church’s Persecution by Hitler. They were also written in the General Context of Bonhoeffer’s decision to remain in Germany and be with his People in their time of Anguish and Suffering, even if it meant his imprisonment and murder by Hitler, which he did. Bonhoeffer had learned his Lesson well from the Psalms and his Life of Prayer remained constant throughout his ordeal. He observed that “serious illness” and “severe loneliness” before God and men, threats, persecution, imprisonment, and whatever conceivable peril there is on earth are known by the Psalms.

1.2.3 Grief and Hurt?

Psalm 13:2 (KJV) “How long shall I take Counsel (Pain) in my soul.” – Tossing on a sea of doubt and perplexity, David forms Plan, but to no Purpose.  He seeks to find the way of escape from his difficulties but cannot discover one.

Another Observation on Psalm 13:1-2 will assist the Reader of Psalm 13. The RSV, in its translation of Psalm 13:2, has adopted the Syriac variant “Pain” instead of the difficult Hebraic term meaning “Counsel.” The real “Pain” (Hurt) of it is Personal, if we may judge from David’s Constant Longing to “behold God’s Face” (Psalms 11:7; Psalm 17:15; Psalm 27:4, 8; Psalm 34:5).

The same sense of the Friendship that has clouded over is hauntingly expressed in Job 29:1; Job 30:20 and Psalm 22:1. It is turmoil of thought (Psalm 77:3-6) rather than the dull ache of dejection. But “counsel” seems preferable. Given God’s “Absence,” the Psalmist has had to hold Counsel with himself, a fact which has caused him inner turmoil and sorrow.

• French Proverb: “Sickness and evils come on horseback and go away on foot.”
• Walter Brueggemann observes: “A study of the lament may be a corrective for some religion in the Church which wishes to withdraw from life as it really is, to pretence and romance in the unreal world of heavenly and holy things. The lament (those Psalms of complaint) makes clear that faith and worship deal with and are shaped by life as it comes to us.”
• We should understand that life includes both unpleasant and good, loneliness as well as fellow disease along with health, anxiety as well as peace, sorrow intermingled with joy. The life of the Christian is not all sweetness and light; it never has been, as Psalm 13 attests.

Life need not be represented to God in rosy hues that do not exist. We need not be Pollyanna. David, of Psalm 13 is able in the end to Praise the LORD, but only after moving from grief to joy. Along the way David of Psalm 13 expresses real agony. We need not whitewash evil and suffering. It is when Faith is recognised as being in crisis that it can be reaffirmed and strengthened. It is then that real joy can be experienced.

C.S Lewis married late in life, and after just a couple of years his wife, named “JOY,” died of cancer. Her death plunged Lewis deep into grief, and during those days he kept a brutally honest record of his thoughts and feelings. That journal published under the Title “A Grief Observed,” records Lewis’s experience of God’s Silence. His claims upon you as an interruption, if you remember yourself and turn to Him with gratitude and praise, you will be – or so it feels – welcomed with open arms. But go to Him when your need is desperate, when all other help is vain, and what do you find? A door slammed in your face, and a sound of bolting and double bolting on the inside. After that Silence……Why is He so present a commander in our time of prosperity and so very absent a help in time of trouble? (C.S Lewis, A Grief Observed, New York: Batam, 1961, pp.4&5).

1.2.4 Defeat?

1.0 Assurance

Psalm 12:7(KJV) “Thou, shalt keep them O LORD, Thou shalt preserve them from this Generation forever.” – Psalm 12:7 is the Prayer for God’s Protection and Preservation.

• Psalm12:7 is a request to God to keep and preserve His People.
• The phrase “from this Generation” (Psalm 12:7c) a desire for protection from the influence and corruption of the ungodly Society/world.
• The phrase “forever” emphasises the Psalmist’s desire for long-term eternal protection and preservation.
• Psalm 12:7 encourages trust in God’s ability to protect and preserve His People.
• Psalm 12:7 highlights the importance of spiritual preservation and protection from the corrupting influences of the world.
• Upon God’s “Pure and Tested Words” (Psalm12:6),  the Believers can safely rely, and look forward,
• David speaks with Assurance: “Thou shalt keep……Thou shalt preserve.” The LORD is able to keep and to preserve His People, as the word “Keep” (samar) means “Preserve, Protect,” or “Watch over.” 
• Psalm 12:7(KJV) “Thou, shalt keep them O LORD, Thou shalt preserve them from this Generation forever.” is a Prayer for God’s Protection and Preservation.

Lesson: If God’s People would saturate themselves with God’s Word, they would not be seduced by World. When the Church adopts “the spirit and motives” of the World’s System, the Church ceases to Glorify the LORD.

And it is the same “in every Generation of Saints and forever” (Psalm 12:7b), because “God’s Word stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8). Apostle Peter writes: “Kept by the Power of God” (1Peter 1:5, KJV):

• God’s People are “the Generation of the Righteous” (Psalm 14:5).
• God’s People are “the Generation that Seeks God (Psalm 24:6).
• God’s People are “the Generation of His Children (Psalm 73:15).
• God’s People are “the Generation of the Upright” (Psalm 112:2).

Prayer/Intercession for Protection: “Father, I believe the truth that You are with me, and Your Protection is certain (Jude 24; 1Thessalonians 5:24). Be it deep waters, difficulties in life, or the fire of oppression, I will not drown or be consumed by the flame (Isaiah 43:2). My life is in Your strong right hand, and I am secure with You (John 10:28b,29). You, oh Lord, are my refuge (Psalm 91:1-2).”

Post-Note: – Isaiah 43:2, serves as God’s Promise to be with people during their hardships. 

• The “deep waters” symbolize Overwhelming Circumstances.
• The “rivers of difficulty” represent intense trials.
• The “fire of oppression” signifies profound suffering/trials.

Despite these difficult situations, Isaiah 43:2, assures Believers that they will not be consumed or destroyed, but rather guided and protected by God.

1.1 The Wicked (AntiChrist?)

Psalm 12:8(KJV)” The Wicked walks on every side, when the vilest men are exalted.”

• Psalm 12:8 describes a world where evil is rampant, with wicked people Prowling everywhere and worthless or Vile People being honoured and exalted among People.
•  Psalm 12:8 speaks to a time or situation where morality has deteriorated, and wickedness is so widespread that it has become the norm, with evil deeds and people receiving praise rather than condemnation. \Psalm 12:8 (KJV) describes the reality where wickedness and immorality seem to prevail.
• Psalm 12:8 notes that the Wicked/Vilest men are present and active on every side.
• The phrase “when the vilest men are exalted” suggests a society where the most base and depraved Individuals are elevated or celebrated.
• Psalm12:8 encourages awareness of Societal trends and the Potential for moral decay.
• Psalm12:8 reminds Believers to trust in God’s ultimate Justice, even when Wickedness/Vileness seems to prevail in the world.

Psalmist concludes with the observation that “the Wicked” is set loose and surround the Righteous “On every side/when vileness is exalted among the sons of men,” that would result in “Vile-Person” (Antichrist?) being in position of authority (2Thessalonians 2:3b-12).

• Psalm 12:8 is spoken, prophetically, pointing to “the Times of the Antichrist?” (2Thessalonians 2:3b-12; Revelation chapter 13).
• Antichrist? – If so, this is the atmosphere of “the End-of-the-Age (End-Times),” the Wicked (Antichrist?) will “prowl;” he will be on the hunt.
• The Wicked (Antichrist?) strut about an Evil is praised (exalted). Vileness (“cheapness”) is promoted and exalted in the Societies: Immorality, brutality, murder, lies, drunkenness, the love of money, the abuse of authority, etc.
• The things that God condemns are now a means of universal acceptance, in the “Times of the Antichrist?” (1Thessalonians 5:3b-12; Revelation chapter 13).
• The noun “vilest” means “Worthlessness, insignificance.” It is again, the consequence of Vanity and Flattering lips.

However, God Promises Preservation of His People – Psalm 12:7(KJV) “Thou, shalt Keep (Preserve) them O LORD, Thou shalt Preserve (Keep) them from this Generation (of the Antichrist?) forever.”  

• In the godless environment of the Antichrist, where base and vile men are esteemed and exalted (Psalm 12:8); when Wickedness not only prevails but is admired and desired (Psalm 12:8).
• The Saints should cry: “Help, LORD,” (Psalm 12:1a) and wait on Him, trusting His Faithfulness and His Promise of Protection and Deliverance (Psalm 12:7)!! Amen, and Amen!!  
• The Wicked spoke lies and deceptive words, but David reflects upon the Lord’s words as “pure and dependable” (Psalm 12:6).
• Psalmist is confident that the Lord will protect the afflicted (Psalm12:1).

1.0 God’s Intervention

Psalm 12:5 (KJV) “For the oppression of the Poor, for the sighing of the Needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him (Poor and Needy) in safety from him (Wicked Person) who puffs at him (Poor & Needy).”

1.0.1 Oppression

Psalm 12:5a reveals that the LORD knows “The oppression of the afflicted (“Poor”), and He (LORD) hears “the groaning of the Needy.”  

• The Hebrew noun for “Oppression” means “Violence, devastation.”
• The Poor (Afflicted) are being oppressed by the People who are defrauding them.
• In turn, the Afflicted (Poor) sigh/groan under the Person’s injustice.
• Psalm 12:5a, “The oppression of the afflicted (“Poor”),” highlights God’s Concern for those who are Mistreated and Marginalized.
• Psalm 12:5a is part of a larger passage where the Psalmist cries out to God against the Oppressors who boast and Oppress the Poor (Afflicted).
• The term “oppress” means “to keep (someone) in subservience and hardship, especially by the unjust exercise of authority.” (Oxford English Dictionary)
• It is a serious assault. However, keeping Someone in hardship can be done in subtle ways.
• Other translations of Psalm 12:5a translate the word “oppress” as to “exploit” (CEB), “take advantage” (ERV), or “mistreat” (CEV).
• The more obvious Signs of Oppression are harsh actions such as cheating people, denying them services, or speaking rudely to them. But there are less direct ways that may also be harmful.
• In other Psalms, David connected evil to abuse of the poor and helpless (Psalm 9:9; Psalm 10:2).
• In prior verses (Psalm 12:1-4), David has complained that everyone around him has turned to deceptive speech and evil (Psalm 12:1–4).
• Psalm 12:5, David envisions God finally having enough of wickedness and choosing to act (Romans 2:5).
• This statement seems to be quoted later by Prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 33:10), referring to God’s Judgement.
• In the time of Moses, the Hebrews were slaves in Egypt, and their taskmasters treated them badly. However, the LORD saw the Hebrews’ affliction and heard their cries. He told Moses: “I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them” (Exodus 3:7–8).
• Jesus assured His Followers they have no reason to fear, because God sees even the sparrow’s fall, and He cares for His own (Matthew 10:29–31).
• Writing to the twelve Tribes of the Dispersion, James assures his persecuted Readers that God knows their troubles and will punish their Oppressors (James 5:1–6).
• James appeals to his Readers to wait patiently for the Coming of the Lord (James 5:7–8)

1.0.2 The Sighting

Psalm 12:5b “For the sighing of the needy.” The Needy groan (sigh) under their oppressions –

• Psalm 12:5b (NIV) ” And the sighing of the needy.”
• Psalm 12:5b (NASB) “For the sighing of the needy.”
• Psalm 12:5b highlights God’s Awareness and concern for those who are oppressed, poor, or needy.
• Psalm 12:5c “I will now arise” suggests God’s Promise to intervene on behalf of those who are suffering.
• Psalm 12:5c offers hope and reassurance that God will act to deliver and protect the vulnerable.
• Proverbs 22:22-23 “Because a man is poor, do not therefore cheat him, nor, at the city gate, oppress anybody in affliction; for the Lord takes up their cause, and extorts the life of their extortioners.”
• Proverbs 14:31 “Whoever is kind to the needy honours God,” Proverbs 14:31 teaches that when we counteract Oppression by acting kindly toward People living in Poverty, God receives it as an honour.

Psalms 12:5b reminds us that God takes note of the sufferings of the Poor/Needy and He is the Just and Compassionate God who cares deeply about the well-being of all people, especially those who are marginalized or oppressed.

The Organisation: “Food for the Hungry,” where the Workers work with People living in Poverty, the questions provided the tell-signs of the well-developed administrative Process:  

• Am I treating all People equally, recognizing that they bring God-given Gifts to the table? For example, in a PTA meeting at the Worker child’s school, do the Person discount another Parent’s Opinion because she appears to come from a different socioeconomic background?
• When the Organisation sees someone in need, do the Worker seeks to understand the underlying causes of their poverty, or am I giving to make myself feel better?
• Have I considered the way I shop, and the ways my buying choices may perpetuate poverty?
• Do I donate to organizations that include community members in the development Process?

The Lesson Psalms 12:5a – Psalm 12:5c, God assures “Now I will arise, I will set him in safety for which he longs,” indicating that God will intervene on behalf of the Poor and Needy.

1.0.3 God’s Intervention

Psalm 12:5c, God assures “Now I will arise, I will set him in safety for which he longs,” indicating that God will intervene on behalf of the Poor and Needy.

• In context of Psalm 12:5c, the Poor and Needy refer to those who are vulnerable, marginalized, and often mistreated by others. They need God’s Protection and Deliverance.
• Psalm 12:5c showcases God’s Character as a Just and Merciful God who cares about the well-being of His People, especially those who are Oppressed (Poor & Needy).
• Psalm 12:5c encourages trust in God’s Sovereignty and Justice, reminding Believers that He (God) sees their Struggles and will act in their behalf and in their favour. It is a call to Faith and Patience in times of Hardship and Oppression.
• Psalm 12:5 (LEB): “Because of the oppression of the afflicted, because of the groaning of the poor, now I will rise up,” Yahweh says. “I shall put them in the safety for which they long.”
• Psalm 12:5 (CSB): “Because of the oppression of the afflicted and the groaning of the poor, I will now rise up,” says the Lord. “I will put in a safe place the one who longs for it.”
• Psalm 12:5a comes from the Psalm where the Psalmist cries out to God because of the Wicked People who are Oppressing the Poor and Needy with their lies and deceit (Psalm 12:5c) 
• God responds, assuring the Psalmist that He sees the injustice and will intervene to protect the afflicted
• Psalm 12:5c seems to signify, that God would deliver the Poor and Needy from their Oppressions, and put them into a comfortable, prosperous, safe, and happy situation, in which God’s Justice will be done.
• Psalm 12:5c (KJV) highlights God’s Promise to intervene on behalf of the Poor and Needy, Protecting them from the Wicked. Mistreatment, reminding them that God sees their Struggles and will act on their behalf
• Psalm12:5c emphasizes God’s Willingness to arise and act on behalf of the afflicted.
• God Promises to set the Poor and Needy in safety, shielding them from those who seek to harm or oppress them.
• Psalm12:5c contrasts God’s Character with that of the Wicked, highlighting God’s Justice and Care for the Vulnerable.
• The Groans of God’s People rise to Him (God). He (God) knows, He hears, and He sees, and says: “Now will I arise” (Psalm 12:5c).
• The LORD is resolved that those who are Oppressed by the tongues of vanity will be vindicated by Him (God), and the Wicked Person who oppresses the Poor and Needy will be punished for puffing at them with lying lips.

Lesson: Psalm12:5 encourages trust in God’s Ability to Protect and Deliver the Poor and Needy. Psalm12:5 offers hope to those who are experiencing Oppression or.

1.0.4 God’s Presence

Psalm 12:5d “I will set [him] in safety [from him that] puffeth at him.”

• The Wicked may oppress and “puff” at the Person. It is as if to say with the breath of his lips, the Person could be blow away.
• Contempt – It is the thought of scorning; making light of the Person; treating the Person with contempt.
• The LORD will preserve His People and “set them in safety (Protect, NIV)” (Psalm 12:5c, KJV).
• In responding to David’s cry for help, The LORD promised: “I will set him in safety.” (Psalm 12:5c).
• “Safety” (KJV, “Protect,” NIV) comes from the same Hebrew root as “Help” in Psalm 12:1a and “Deliver” in Psalm 6:8 and is the basis for the Name “Jesus” and “Joshua” (“Jehovah is Salvation”).
• The noun “safety” here also means “Welfare, Prosperity,” indicating that the Poor will be rescued from their calamity and find the Fullness of Life for which they long.
• The Church of Jesus Christ must always remember that God has a Special Place in His heart for the Poor.
• God hears their cries (Exodus 2:23-35) and Promises to Anoint His Messiah to bring Good News to them (Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18).

Lesson – This is fulfilled by Jesus who came to Preach to the Poor, Heal them, and deliver them from the Oppression of their Enemies (Luke 4:16-21). 

1.1 God’s Time

Psalm 12:5 (KJV) “For the oppression of the Poor, for the sighing of the Needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him (Poor and Needy) in safety from him (Wicked Person) who puffs at him (Poor & Needy).”  At times, to the Person who is in desperate need, God may seem to delay, but He (God) will eventually, in His own time, respond to the Call (Prayer) of the Poor/Needy Person.

1.1 God’s Time

Psalm 12:5 (KJV) “For the oppression of the Poor, for the sighing of the Needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him (Poor and Needy) in safety from him (Wicked Person) who puffs at him (Poor & Needy).”  At times, to the Person who is in desperate need, God may seem to delay, but He (God) will eventually, in His own time, respond to the Call (Prayer) of the Poor/Needy Person.

1.1.1 Psalms 12:5a

“For the Oppression of the Poor” – The term “Oppression” signifies mean and despicable in the eyes of the men of this world, and so oppressed by them, as the Poor generally are by the wealthy. The People of Israel were oppressed by the Egyptians.

So will be Believers (God’s People), during the 3½ Yrs (Daniel 7:25; Daniel 12:7; Revelation 11:2; Revelation 11:3; Revelation 12:7; Revelation 12:14; Revelation 13:5 = 42 months; time times and half a time; 1260 days) Great Tribulation by the Antichrist and his Associates, Believers being martyred (Revelation 12:17; Revelation13:7; Revelation 20:4) by Antichrist, of his tyrannical methods.

1.1.2 Psalms 12:5b

“For the sighing of the needy;” who groan under their Oppressions. The Poor sigh inwardly, and cry unto the God, who sees their Oppressions, hears their Groans (sighs); and though He cannot be moved, as men are, by anything without himself, yet, according to His (God’s) abundant Mercy and Sovereign Will, He appears and exerts Himself on the behalf of His People, and for their Relief and Assistance.

1.1.3 Psalms 12:5c

“Now will I arise, saith the Lord.” to have Mercy on the Poor and Needy, and to avenge them against their Oppressors.

• The Lord – And this the Lord promises to do “now,” speedily, immediately.
• God Arises in the most Seasonable Time, when His People are in the greatest straits, and in the utmost distress and herein displays His Wisdom, Power, and Goodness.
• Petition – This is an Answer to the Petition of the Psalmist in ( Psalms 12:1 ).

1.1.4 Psalms 12:5d

“I will set [him] in safety [from him that] puffeth at him.”  The Wicked may oppress and “puff” at the Person. It is as if to say with the breath of his lips, the Person could be blow away. It is the thought of scorning; making light of the Person; treating the Person with contempt. But the LORD will preserve His People and “set them in safety (Protect, NIV)” (Psalm 12:5c, KJV).

1.2 God’s Word

Psalm 12:6 (KJV) “The Words of the LORD are Pure Words, like silver tried (tested) in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.”  

• Psalm 12:6 (KJV) highlights the Purity and Reliability of God’s Words.
• Psalm12:6 emphasizes that God’s Words are Pure, implying they are free from Error, Deceit, or Impurity.
• The Comparison to silver tested in a furnace illustrates the refining process, where impurities are removed, leaving only pure silver.
• The phrase “purified seven times” suggests a complete and thorough refining process, emphasizing the absolute purity of God’s Words.
• The Numeric “Seven” means Completeness, Perfection, – the number 7 is mentioned 57 times in the Book of Revelation; and total 600 times in the Bible). 
• Psalm 12:6 encourages Trust in the Reliability and Purity of God’s Word, recognizing its Value and Authority.
• Psalm12:6 contrasts God’s Words with Human Words, which can be flawed or deceitful, highlighting the superiority of Divine Revelation.
• What a contrast between the vain Words of men and God’s Pure Words.

Spurgeons comments: “The Bible has passed through the Furnace of Persecution, literary criticism, philosophic doubt, and scientific discovery, and has lost nothing but those human interpretations which clung to it as alloy to precious ore. The experience of Saints has tried the Words of God in every conceivable manner, but not a single Doctrine/Promise has been consumed in the most excessive heat.” (C.H.Spurgeon, “The Treasury of David,” Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1968).

Lesson, While the Words of men are vanity, God’s Words are Purity; while men speak with flattering lips, God speaks with tested Words. When the LORD makes a Promise, His People should trust on that Promise because the Words of the LORD are

• Pure Words because they are like “refined silver,” no alloy. Silver purified seven times in the furnace was silver perfectly pure. In the original there is an allusion to the most severely purifying process known to the Ancients.
• Tested Words – The Number Seven, in the Jewish mind, was an indicative of Perfection/Completion, indicating “Passing the test.”  
• God’s Words can be trusted because He (God) said: “I am Watching to see that My Word is fulfilled” (Jeremiah 1:12b, NIV).
• God’s Words are never yea and nay, but “Yea and Amen” (2Corinthians 1:18-20).
• There is no ambiguity or double meaning, in God’s Word (Promise) as there is with the words of the man (“double-hearted” – Psalm 12:2b).

1.0 The Statement

Psalm 12 is a Psalm of David, is not questioned by most Expositors.  David wrote a total of Seventy-four Psalms of the 150 Psalms. Also, of the 16 Messianic Psalms, 10 Messianic Psalms were written by David.

The Title of Psalm 12 indicates that it was incorporated into Israel’s Public Worship at an Early Date. The Choirmaster or Chief Musician occurs first and then the melody, “Shem’inith” (Heb: ’al-hasheminit) means “the eighth,” which may refer to the number of the familiar melody, a lower octave for men’s voices or eight strings of the musical instrument played by the Levites (1Chronicles 15:21) or eight noted melodies to which the Psalm was sung.  F.W.Grant’s comment is very beautiful. “The flute is silent, and the music of the stringed instruments, better fitted to express the deeper emotions of the heart, follows them: and indeed, in the bass notes upon the octave.” These Musical Directions would be well understood by the Chief Musician and the Singers of that day, but today the full meaning of some of these words is not clear even to the Scholars of the Hebrew Language. “Shem’inith” means “the eighth” or “an octave” or eight strings of the musical instrument or eight noted melodies to which Psalm 12 was sung. 

David had several difficult periods of his life to which the sentiments of Psalm 12 would have been applicable:

• Some Expositors think that Psalm 12 describes David’s circumstances when, in his younger age, he resided in the Court of King Saul whose constant intent was to kill him. King Saul made 15 attempts on David’s life (1Samuel chapters 17 to 26).
• Some Expositors think that Psalm 12 may have been composed during that time when David had to flee from King Saul, a Fugitive in the caves and woods of desert and wilderness (1Samuel chapters 24 & 26).
• Some Expositors think that Psalm 12 belongs to those sad days when Absalom had usurped David’s Throne and David was exiled from his Throne and family (2Samuel chapters 15 to 18).

In any of these times there are those who are treacherous, chief of whom, of course, is his own son Absalom, and his former friend and Counsellor Ahithophel. Psalm 12 is divided into Four Parts of two Verses each:

• Psalm 12:1-2, David Prays to the LORD concerning those who are “bad-mouthing” him (David) with their tongues.
• Psalm 12:3-4, David expresses Confidence that the LORD will deal with these Enemies.
• Psalm 12:5-6, David has the LORD’s Word for it and rejoices in that Word.
• Psalm 12:7-8, David, Rests in the Divine (God’s) Assurance, though sensible that the trouble is still present.

These Four Parts may also be divided into two, Psalm 12:1-4 being the Prayer; and Psalm 12:5-8 being the Prophecy.

1.1 The Cry for Help

Psalm 12:1(KJV) “Help, LORD; for the Godly man ceases; for the Faithful failed from among the Children of men.” The cry of the distressing Person is emphasised with the Call for Help – “Help, LORD!” The Cry, “Help LORD” is described by:

• Plumer: “The word help does not call merely for some aid, but for full and effectual deliverance.”  Plumer further said, “By far the most common rendering of the first verb in this verse is save; after that deliver, preserve, avenge, rescue, help.”
• Spurgeon: “A short, but sweet, but suggestive, seasonable, and serviceable Prayer; a kind of Angel’s sword, to be turned every way and to be used on all occasions.”

David’s cry “Help LORD” is the universal cry and the timeless plea for God’s Mercy against treachery on every side. David is under great pressure. He is burdened with the decline of Godly and Faithful men – “The Godly man ceases……the Faithful failed” (Psalm 12:1a). “Help LORD” has been the lament of Saints throughout the Ages:

• Apostle Paul states: “This you know that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me” (2Timothy 1:15, KJV).
• Elijah felt it keenly too, and cried: “I, even I only, am left” (1Kings 19:14, KJV).

However, there can never be, in any dispensation, a complete and utter failure of testimony, for God never leaves Himself without Faithful Witnesses.

Story: On the 16^th day of August 1593, “the Tobie, of London, a ship of 250 tonnes, manned with fifty men, set sail from Blackwall.” The ship was cast ashore on the Barbary coast and broke up so fast that there was no time to make a raft. Climbing up into the shrouds the Crew hung there for a time. “But seeing nothing but present death approach, we commended ourselves unto the LORD, and began with doleful tune and heavy hearts to sing 12 Psalm: ‘Help, LORD, for Good and Godly Men’ – Howbeit, before we had finished four Verses, the Waves of the Sea had stopped the breathes of most of our men……And only Twelve, by God’s Providence, partly by swimming and other meanes of chests, got on shore, which was about a quarter of a mile from the wreck of the Ship” (W. Graham Scroggie, “A Guide To The Psalms,” Kregel Publications, pgs.92-93).

1.2 The Words of the Wicked

Psalm 12:2,3b (KJV) “They speak vanity everyone with his neighbour; with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak……And the tongue that speaks proud things.” The Righteous Person is not surrounded by upright and trustworthy People, but by People who use words not to advance truth but to advance their own evil ends. The Wicked Person does three things:

1.2.1 Speaks Vanity

Psalm 12:2a (KJV) “They speak vanity {pride} everyone with his neighbour.” – The word “vanity” is the most embracing expression for the misuse of words. Vanity = Falsehood or distortion of truth, empty and useless words.

The Hebrew word, while it includes lie, means “emptiness,” thus also including the additional ideas of insincerity and irresponsibility (Derek Kidner: “An Introduction and Commentary on Books I & II of the Psalm,” London: Inter-Vasity, 1973, pg.75). It is insincerity with which the Wicked converses with each other. Thus, compliments and fawning congratulations are hateful to honest men.  

1.2.2 Flatters

Psalm 12:2b (KJV) “With flattering lips.” – Flattery goes a step beyond mere emptiness (“vanity”) because it contains the additional elements of a corrupt or an evil motive.The Hebrew word “flattery” means “smooth,” and there is much smooth talk about us:

• Flattery is smooth talk, which is glib, facile, false pleasing, and deadly.
• Flattery is not communication, it is manipulation.
• Flattery is treachery in disguise.

Flattery plays on the ego and especially influences the Person who wants to appear important (Jude 11). It is universal among the Wicked, this hypocrisy of flattering with the lips:

• There have been Periods of History when flattering speech has been developed to a high degree, as in Diplomatic or Courtly Language.
• King Solomon must have endured a great deal of it at his Court, because the Book of Proverbs, which he wrote, warns often against flattery (Proverbs 26:28; Proverbs 28:23; Proverbs 29:5; etc).
• Daniel says that flattery will be a tool of that Wicked World Ruler (Antichrist) who will arise at the Last Day (Daniel 11:32).
• Jude links flattery to the ways of the ungodly who will be condemned in God’s Final Judgement (Jude 16).

The Person who flatters with his lips, beguiling, and cozening (flatter to cheat) his Victims to get them completely into his Power with adverse result:

• Proverbs 26:28b (NIV) “A flattering mouth works ruin.”
• Proverbs 28:23 (NIV) “He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favour than he who has a flattering tongue.”

Flattery plays on the ego and especially influences the Person who wants to appear important (Jude 11).

1.2.3 Deceive (“Double-Heart”)

Psalm 12:2c (KJV) “And with a double heart do they speak.”  – The Hebrew text is idiomatic at this point, for it says literally, “they speak with a heart and a heart” (“double heart”):

• It is Hebrew way of describing double-talk or, as we would say, “talking out of both sides of our mouths.”
• It is using a word that means one thing to advance something that is its exact opposite.

The Wicked with one heart, fauns, and flatters, saying things which might please, with another heart the Wicked harbours mischievous thoughts and intents. It is duplicity, which is the divided heart (literally, “a heart and a heart”).

The Wicked Person has “two hearts,” one speaks smooth words and the other to imagine mischief! The Chinese considers the Person with “two hearts” to be a very base Individual because he believes one thing with his heart but says another with his mouth.  

In the secular, artificial evasive language is called “double-speak” (William Lutz (1989) and “The New Double-Speak” (1996), both published by Harper Collins):

• What was once called “Home Economics” is now “The College of Applied Life Science.”
• In Tucson, Arizona, potholes are no more because they are now known as “pavement deficiencies.”
• In Politics, new taxes are “revenue enhancements.”
• In military jargon, “retreat” is “back-loading of augmentation personnel.
• If, while Soldiers are “back-loading,” and got shot, the bullet hole is “a ballistically induced aperture in the subcutaneous environment.”

“Double-speak” is catching on and is popular in almost every area of human life is evidence that language and communication are in serious trouble. Our ability to speak and write words is God’s Precious Gift, and Psalm 12 deals with the right and wrong use of “that Gift.”

1.7 God is Righteous

Psalm 11:7 “For the LORD is Righteous, He loves Righteousness; His Countenance does behold the upright.” – Psalm 11:7 serves as the triumphant conclusion to Psalm11, emphasizing God’s Righteousness, His Loves for Righteousness, and His ultimate blessing of the Upright (Righteous), in the three main statements in Psalm 11:7

1.7.1 God is Righteous

Psalm 11:7a “For the LORD is Righteous.” – Psalm 11:7a affirms God’s Inherent Righteousness, emphasizing that He (God) is the Embodiment of His (God’s) Perfect Justice and Morality, and Integrity.

The Hebrew word for “righteous (tzaddiq)” highlights God’s unwavering commitment to Justice and Righteousness. This affirmation serves as the foundation for the rest of Psalm 11:7, emphasising that:

• God’s Actions are guided by Righteousness: As the Righteous God, His decisions, judgments, and actions are always motivated by the desire to uphold justice and righteousness.
• God’s Character is rooted in Righteousness: The LORD’s Righteousness is not just an Attribute, but an Essential Aspect of God’s Character, defining who He is and how He relates to Humanity.
• God’s People can trust in His Righteousness: This affirmation encourages Believers to trust in God’s Righteousness, knowing that He will always act justly and uprightly, even when circumstances seem uncertain or chaotic.

The Characteristics of Righteousness in Psalm 11:7 is beautifully described as God’s Love for Righteousness and His Delight in the Upright (Righteous). In Psalm 11:7, Righteousness is portrayed as the fundamental aspect of God’s Nature, and He loves those who reflect this righteousness in their lives.

In Psalm 11:7, we see that God’s Righteousness is not just the theoretical concept, but He (God) is living, breathing reality that guides His (God’s) Interactions with Humanity. He (God) Loves righteous deeds, and those who walk uprightly will behold His (God’s) Face, experiencing His Presence, Favor, and Blessing. The Characteristics of Righteousness highlighted in Psalm 11:7 include:

• God’s Love for Righteousness: God delights in righteousness and loves those who reflect this righteousness in their lives.
• Upright Living: The Upright (Righteous) will behold God’s Face, experiencing His Presence, Favour, and Blessing.
• Righteous Deeds: God loves righteous deeds, and those who walk in righteousness will be blessed.
• God’s Presence and Favour: The Upright (Righteous) will experience God’s Presence, Favour, and Blessing, beholding His (God’s) Face.

Overall, Psalm 11:7 presents the beautiful picture of God’s Righteousness and His Love for those who walk in righteousness.

Psalm 11:7a “For the LORD is Righteous,” is a Powerful Affirmation that reminds the Believers that:

• Righteousness is the Foundation of God’s Throne: Psalm 89:14 says, “Righteousness and Justice are the foundation of Your throne.” This emphasises that God’s Rule is rooted in Righteousness.
• God’s Righteousness is the Believers’ Hope: As Believers, we can trust in God’s Righteousness, knowing that He will ultimately vindicate the Righteous and Judge the Wicked.
• Believers should strive to reflect God’s Righteousness: Recognising God’s Inherent Righteousness should motivate the Believers to pursue righteous lives, striving to reflect God’s Character in our thoughts, words, and actions.

1.7.2 God loves Righteousness

God Loves Righteousness – Psalm 11:7b “He (God) loves Righteousness.” – Psalm 11:7b highlights God’s deep affection for Righteousness, underscoring His desire to see justice, morality, and uprightness prevail. Psalm 11:7b is also a beautiful expression of God’s Heart.  The Hebrew word for “loves (aheb)” emphasises God’s strong emotional attachment to Righteousness. Psalm 11:7b’s Statement emphasises that:

• God Delights in Righteousness: God takes pleasure in righteousness, not just as a moral virtue, but as the reflection of His (God’s) own Character.
• Righteousness is Precious to God: God values righteousness highly, and it is precious to Him.
• God’s Love for Righteousness Motivates His Actions: God’s love for righteousness drives His decisions, judgments, and actions, ensuring that justice and morality are upheld.

Psalm 11:7b ““He (God) loves Righteousness,” is the beautiful expression of God’s Heart, reminding the Believers that:

• Believers should strive to reflect God’s Love for Righteousness: As Believers, we should seek to reflect God’s Character, including His Love for rRghteousness, in our thoughts, words, and actions.
• God’s Love for Righteousness is our Security: Knowing that God Loves Righteousness, provides the Believers with Security and Confidence, as we trust that He will always act justly and uprightly.
• Believers can trust God’s Judgments: Because God Loves Righteousness, Believers can trust that His Judgments are fair, just, and motivated by the desire to uphold righteousness.

1.7.3 God rewards the Righteous

Psalm 11:7c “His (God’s) Countenance does behold the Upright.” – Psalm 11:7c, affirms God’s Assuring Promise, the beautiful conclusion to Psalm 11, emphasising the intimate relationship between God and the Upright Believer. This Final Statement of Psalm 11:7c promises that the “Upright Believers,” those who have maintained their integrity and righteousness, will ultimately behold God’s Face. Psalm 11:7c Symbolises:

• Intimacy with God.
• Favour and Blessing from God.
• Eternal Life and Communion with God

First, Psalm 11:7c “His (God’s) Countenance does behold the Upright,” a glorious conclusion, reminds the Believers that:

• God’s Righteousness is the Believers’ Hope: As Believers, we can trust in God’s Righteousness, knowing that He will ultimately vindicate the Righteous (Upright) and judge the Wicked.
• Righteousness is the Path to Intimacy with God: Believers, by living upright lives, we can cultivate a deeper intimacy with God, beholding His Face and experiencing His Favour and Blessing.
• God’s Love for Righteousness is the Believers’ Motivation: Believers, recognising God’s deep affection for Righteousness (Uprightness) should be motivated the believers to pursue righteous lives, striving to reflect God’s Character in our thoughts, words, and actions.
• Righteous Living of the Believers have their Rewards: As Believers, we can trust that our righteous living will be rewarded with God’s Favour, Approval, and Presence.
• Believers can approach God with Confidence: Knowing that God’s Countenance beholds the Upright Believers, we can approach Him with confidence, trusting in His Love, Care, and Guidance.
• God’s Presence is the Believers’ Blessing: The Promise of Psalm 11:7c “His (God’s) Countenance does behold the Upright,” of beholding God’s Countenance is the reminder that His Presence is the Believers’ Blessing, and that the Believers should strive to cultivate a deeper intimacy with Him.

Second, the Hebrew Word for “Countenance (Panim)” refers to God’s Face and His Presence. God’s Assuring Promise in Psalm 11:7c, highlights several encouraging truths to the Believers:

• God’s Favour Rests on the Upright: The Phrase “His (God’s) Countenance does behold,” implies God’s favour, approval, and delight in the Upright Believer.
• The Upright Believer has access to God’s Presence: Psalm 11:7c “His (God’s) Countenance does behold the Upright (Believer),” suggests that the Upright (Believer) has the special privilege of being in God’s Presence, beholding His Countenance (Face).
• God Watches over the Upright Believer with Care: The Assurance of God’s Countenance (Face) beholding the Upright Believer implies the sense of Watchful Care, Protection, and Guidance.

1.8 Full Complete Righteousness

“For the LORD is Righteous, He loves Righteousness; His Countenance does behold the upright (Righteous).” In Psalm 11:7, the term “Righteousness,” is mentioned three times.

First, the Hebrew word for “righteousness” in Psalm 11:7 is in the plural form (tzaddiqot), which emphasizes “Full, Complete Righteousness” or “Righteousness in all its Aspects.” – Using the plural form highlights the Comprehensive Nature of God’s Righteousness, encompassing:

• Moral Righteousness: God’s Righteous Character, which is “the Standard” for all morality.
• Justice: God’s Righteous Judgment, which upholds Justice and Equity.
• Faithfulness: God’s Righteous Faithfulness, which ensures His (God’s) Covenant Promises are fulfilled.
• Integrity: God’s Righteous Integrity, which is unwavering and uncompromising.

Second, Psalm 11:7, the plural form of “Righteousness” in Psalm 11:7 underscores the richness and depth of God’s Righteous Character, reminding the Believers that:

• God’s righteousness is Multifaceted: God’s Righteousness encompasses various aspects, including “Moral Righteousness, Justice, Faithfulness, and Integrity.”
• God’s Righteousness is Perfect: The plural form of “God’s Righteousness,” emphasizes the Completeness and Perfection of God’s Righteousness.
• Believers should strive for Comprehensive Righteousness: As Believers, we should aim to reflect God’s Comprehensive Righteousness in our lives, pursuing “Moral Righteousness, Justice, Faithfulness, and Integrity.”

1.9 Psalm 11, the Golden Utterance

Psalm 11 is often called “the Golden Utterance,” because of its rich content profound insights, and beautiful language. The reasons are:

• Rich Theology: Psalm 11 presents “the rich and nuance (distinctive) understanding” of God’s Character, emphasizing His Righteousness, Justice, and Sovereignty.
• Profundity (Wisdom) of Insight: Psalm 11 offers profound insights into the Human Condition, the Nature of Evil, and the ultimate Triumph of God’s Righteousness.
• Beautiful Language: Psalm 11 is renowned for its beautiful and expressive language, with vivid imagery and powerful metaphors that convey the depths of Human Emotion and the Majesty of God.
• Universal Relevance: Psalm 11, despite being written in the specific historical and cultural context, Psalm 11 addresses universal themes and concerns that remain relevant to People across cultures and centuries.
• Inspiration and Comfort: Psalm 11 has inspired and comforted countless Believers throughout history, offering reassurance of God’s Presence, Protection, and Ultimate Triumph over Evil.

Psalm 11 is termed “Golden Utterance” captures the essence of the teachings in Psalm 11, conveying its value, beauty, and enduring significance.

1.10 The Summary of Psalms 11

What the Believers do when the Foundations are being destroyed (Psalm 11:3)? Psalm 11 Answers this question by giving us another Foundation:

• Trust in the LORD (Psalm 11:1a).
• Makes God our Security, our Refuge (Psalm 11:1b).
• Knows that God Inhabits Eternity and Reigns over the Chaos of this World (Psalm 11:4).
• God’s Throne is in Heaven (Psalm 11:4).
• God’s Moral Order and Kingdom Transcend this World and cannot be overthrown (Psalm 11:7).
• God is the Just Judge who tries all hearts and hates “the Wicked and men of violence” (Psalm 11:5b).
• Wicked Men will know God’s Wrath (Psalm 11:5b, 6) whereas Righteous Men His (God’s) Presence (Psalm 11:5a).
• God’s Character is Righteous, and it will be made known (Psalm 11:7).

Revival always comes with the deep conviction of sin, repentance, and the consequence call to righteousness – 2Corithians 5:21 “For He (the Father) hath made Him (Jesus), who knew no sin, to be sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him (Jesus).” Hundreds of thousands in Cities across the Country came to accept Jesus as their Lord and Personal Saviour through Charles Finney’s Ministry.

1.11 The Review of Psalms 11:7 is called “the Golden Utterance”

Psalm 11 ends, as it began, with the LORD, whose Character as Righteous Answers all “the Fear” of Psalm 11:3 “If the Foundation be destroyed, what can the Righteous do?”

• God’s Character is demonstrated – “He is Righteous” (Psalm 11:7a). It is because “the LORD is Righteous,” that the Wicked are Judged (Psalm 11:5b).
• God Approves of “the Righteous Deeds” (Psalm 11:7b “He (God) Loves Righteousness”). Because the LORD is Righteous (Psalm 11:7a), “He (God) Loves Righteousness.” (Psalm 11:7b). The word “Righteousness” is the plural form, signifying “Full, Complete Righteousness.”
• God’s Reward towards the Righteous – Psalm 11:4b, 7c “His (God’s) eyes test the sons of men…..His (God’s) Countenance beholds the Upright (Righteous).”
• To “See the Face” means to have access to the Person, such as “to see the King’s Face” (2Samuel 14:24).
• This was the ultimate desire of the Old Testament Saints: “To see God Face to Face.”
• For God to turn His Face Away is to reject the Person, but for Him to look upon the Believers with delight means He is going to bless us (Numbers 6:22-27).
• The Foundation of the Righteous is none other than God’s Character/Nature and will: what He is and what He loves (Psalm 11:7).
• Uprightness – If the first description: Psalm 11:7a “For the Righteous LORD loves Righteousness,” shows the Believer’s privileged Position, the statement that followed: “His (God’s) Countenance does behold the Upright,” shows where David’s (or the Righteous Person’s) heart should be.
• Refuge – God as “Refuge” may be sought from motives that are all too self-regarding; but to “Behold His (God’s) Face” is the objective in which only love has any interest. David knew the experience of seeing God with the inward eye in Worship (Psalm 27:4; Psalm 63:2).  
• The Righteous Person is beloved of the LORD and His (God’s) Favour is ever toward him. Thus, we see that the end of David was good, but Saul’s end was terrible (1Samuel 31). Let us never be weary of well doing (Galatians 6:9), for there is a reward to the Righteous and the Wicked will be recompensed according to his ways.

1.12 The Gospel Songs

Several Gospel Songs echo this Hope of Psalm 11:7. Carrie E. Breck (1855-1934) wrote one entitled “Face to Face.” Another by Charles H. Gabriel (1856-1932) includes the lines: “When by His grace I shall look on His face, that will be glory, be glory for me.”

• “Face to Face” by Carrie E. Breck: This Hymn captures the longing to behold God’s Face, just as Psalm 11:7 Promises. The Song’s title and lyrics reflect the deep desire to experience intimate Fellowship with God.
• Charles H. Gabriel’s Hymn: “When by His Grace I shall look on His Face, that will be Glory, be Glory for me,” beautifully express the hope of beholding God’s Face. This Hymn emphasizes that this experience will be the ultimate Glory and Joy for the Believer.

These Gospel Songs and Hymns demonstrate how Psalm 11:7 has inspired Generations of Believers to look forward to the Hope of beholding God’s Face. This Promise has become the Powerful Motivator for Believers to pursue Righteousness, trust in God’s Sovereignty, and eagerly anticipate the ultimate Reward of Eternal Fellowship with Him (God).