Bible Commentaries
Psalms 12

Verse 1

Me? These expressions are figurative. God seems displeased: but it is often for our greater good. Some explain this of David, Ezechias, the captives, &c. It may be applied to every afflicted soul, which places her whole trust in God. (Calmet)

Verse 2

Day; frequently. (Worthington) --- Septuagint adds, "and night." (Calmet) --- These cares and perplexities arise from persecutions and from man’s weakness. (Worthington)

Verse 3

Enemy; Saul, &c., or the devil. (St. Augustine) (Calmet)

Verse 4

Death, by mortal sin, (Worthington) or through excessive sorrow, Jeremias li. 39. Shew me thy favour, (Calmet) and I shall be secure. Sleep is represented as nearly related to death. (Homer, Iliad xiv.) Tum consanguineus lethi sopor. (Virgil, Æneid vi.) (Haydock)

Verse 7

Mercy. Man must attribute nothing to himself, otherwise he will be moved by pride. (St. Augustine) (Calmet) --- Things; patience and reward. (Worthington) --- The prophet feels a secret confidence arising in his breast, in consequence of God’s protection. --- Yea, &c., is not in Hebrew but it is in the Septuagint, Arabic, and the ancient Fathers. Hebrew, "My heart shall be transported in thy salvation; I will praise the Lord, because he has rendered me the like," as I placed my hopes in him: (Calmet) or, "he hath rewarded me." The blessed Mary adopts the language of this verse, [Luke i. 46-55] and the prophet probably had the same salvation, Christ, in view. (Berthier)

Verse 9

PSALM XII. (USQUEQUO DOMINE.)

A prayer in tribulation.