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).