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Features of the Psalm

Text: Psalm 12
28 August 2017

AUTHORSHIP
(Superscription)
This Psalm is attributed to King David.

FEATURES OF THE PSALM

1. A meditation

2. A prayer

3. Imprecatory elements to be noted

CONCERNS EXPRESSED IN PRAYER

1. A prayer for help   (Psalm 12:1a)

2. The demise of godly men   (Psalm 12:1b)

3. The loss of faithful men   (Psalm 12:1c)

OBSERVATIONS BROUGHT TO GOD IN PRAYER

1. The ungodly

a) They speak idly everyone with his neighbour   (Psalm 12:2a)
b) They speak with flattering lips   (Psalm 12:2b)
c) And a double heart they speak   (Psalm 12:2c)

2. An urgent prayer raised
(Imprecatory element noted)

a) May the LORD cut off all flattering lips   (Psalm 12:3a)
b) And the tongue that speaks proud things   (Psalm 12:3b)
i) With our tongues we will prevail   (Psalm 12:4a)
ii) Our lips are our own; who is lord over us?   (Psalm 12:4b)

THE RESPONSE OF THE LORD

1. To the oppression of the poor   (Psalm 12:5a)

2. The sighing of the needy   (Psalm 12:5b)

3. Now I will arise   (Psalm 12:5c)

4. I will set him in the safety
For which he yearns   (Psalm 12:5d)

DEEP APPRECIATION FOR THE WORD OF GOD

1. In contrast to the words of men

2. Things to appreciate about the Word of the LORD

a) The words of the LORD are pure words   (Psalm 12:6a)
b) Like silver tried in a furnace of fire   (Psalm 12:6b)
c) Purified seven times   (Psalm 12:6c)

3. You shall keep them, O LORD   (Psalm 12:7a)

4. You shall preserve them from this generation forever   (Psalm 12:7b)

SOBER CONSCIOUSNESS

1. The wicked
They prowl on every side   (Psalm 12:8a)

2. Vileness
When vileness is exalted among the sons of men   (Psalm 12:8b)