Psalms 12:2

"For the Chief Musician; upon an eight-stringed lyre. A Psalm of David. Help, LORD; for the godly man ceases. For the faithful fail from among the children of men."

Key Reflection

The psalmist David calls out to God for help, acknowledging that even those who are godly and faithful are failing among humanity (Psalms 12:2). This reflects the psalmist's recognition of a widespread moral decline in his society—a context where deceit and hypocrisy were prevalent. The original audience would have understood this as a poignant statement on the corruption and lack of true devotion among even those who claimed to be God’s chosen people, highlighting the need for divine intervention and support.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

They speak vanity -This is a statement of the “manner” in which the “godly” and the “faithful” fail, as stated inPsalms 12:1. One of the ways was that there was a disregard of truth; that no confidence could be placed on the statements of those who professed to be pious; that they dealt falsely with their neighbors. The word “vanity” here is equivalent to “falsehood.” What they spoke was a vain and empty thing, instead of being the truth. It had no reality, and could not be depended on. Every one with his neighbour -In his statements and promises. No reliance could be placed on his word.

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