Pastor’s Notes Psalm 12: 6-7

“The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.“

(Psalm 12:6-7)

At the time of this writing David was in the court of King Saul as the king grew suspicious of him. David paused to take stock of his circumstances, in despair he cried out: “Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.” (12:1).  

David observed the wickedness of society around him and came to the conclusion that godliness and faithfulness were in short supply. Focusing on our troubles magnifies them in our minds which often leads to despair. Nevertheless, David turned to God for when there seems to be no other help, the Lord never fails. David poured out his heart to God and in v5 found God’s promise of protection.

Now David rejoiced that: “The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.”  David likened the purity of God’s words to the finest of refined silver. We live in a time when the idea of the doctrine of verbal inspiration of God’s word is under challenge. Here we see that God’s word, our Bible, is inspired not only in its totality, but the very words are inspired by God.

David continued: “Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.” (v7).  There are two ideas here; one that God delivers and preserves His people. If we look at the context and consider the major thought in the psalm that view makes good sense. Then there is the idea that this verse takes its contexts from the previous verse showing that God has and will preserve his word. Personally I believe both to be true for God is faithful to keep His promises.