Explanation: Psalm 12 refers to a time of persecution and danger for David such as those under Saul or Absalom. In this Psalm David pleads with the LORD for help against the godless, flattering, plunderers which surround him. And David was assured that God would set the oppressed, like David, in a place of safety where they would be preserved. The painting above is symbolic of this blessing, first in the name of the one depicted -- Timothy -- whose name means "honored by God," and second, in the title of the engraving, "LEAL SOUVENIR (Loyal Remembrance)." A souvenir is something which (or in the case of the righteous man, someone who) is preserved and remembered.

          [ THEMATICALLY AND CHRONOLOGICALLY RELATED SCRIPTURES: 1 Samuel 19-31. 2 Samuel 15-18. ]

          [ CHRONOLOGY: General. Patriarchs (Traditional). Judges # 1. Judges # 2. Kings # 1. Kings # 2. Prophets # 1. Prophets # 2. NT # 1. NT # 2. NT # 3. ]

          [ MAPS: Maps # 1. Maps # 2. Maps # 3. Maps # 4. Maps # 5. ]

          [ COMMENTARIES, ETC: GENERAL: Bible Study Tools; Bible Hub: Study Light; Blue Letter Bible // PSALMS: Monergism: Precept Austin: The Treasury of David; John Gill; John Calvin - Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

          [ MUSIC: GENERAL: The Cyber Hymnal // PSALMS: Genevan Psalter (Instrumental). Psalm 12 - #1; Psalm 12 - #2. Psalm 12 - #3. ]

     David begins this Psalm by addressing the LORD. He changes the addressee several times in the verses that follow. To the LORD he pleads for help because the godly man (i.e., the merciful man) and the faithful man (i.e., the supportive man) cease and disappear (1). The oppressors speak vanity (or declare desolation) upon their neighbors with smooth lips and a double heart (literally "in heart and heart") -- or with one heart then another (2). The LORD will cut off such lips and tongues which speak these proud or great things, saying that they will prevail with their tongue and lips, and no one is their master (3-4). But the LORD hears the oppressed, the poor, and the needy; and he said that he will set them in safety from those who puff at them -- referring, perhaps, to the contemptuous snort or puff that is often heard from the nostrils or on the lips of those who despise others (5). David acknowledges these assurances from the LORD and says that they are as pure as silver which has been purified seven times in a furnace (6). Then, speaking to the LORD, David acknowledges that the LORD will preserve the oppressed from this generation and forever (7). And, to again show the danger that he and his companions were in, David says that the wicked walk on every side (or circle around) when vile (or tempestuous) men are exalted. In other words, they are like a destructive whirlwind (8).