uW Translation Notes:

Psalm 12 Introduction

Structure and Formatting

Psalm 12 has different types of themes in it. It has elements in it that belong to “lament psalms,” “psalms of trust,” and “imprecatory psalms.” See the Introduction to Psalms for more information about these types of psalms.

1. David laments that godly people seem to be no more (1)
2. The deceptive speech of wicked people (2)
3. David asks Yahweh to stop men who use their speech for evil purposes (3–4)
4. Yahweh’s response to the mistreatment of “the poor” and “the needy” (5)
5. Yahweh’s speech is perfect and trustworthy (6)
6. Yahweh’s “the poor” and “the needy” (7)
7. David observes the prideful boldness of wicked men as a result of society not condemning their evil actions (8)

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Psalm

Yahweh saves “the poor” and “the needy” from the oppressive acts of wicked people

Even though wicked people are temporarily succeeding in oppressing poor and needy people, Yahweh sees and will help “the poor” and “the needy” people who long for deliverance from their oppression (5). (See: save)

Words

A major focus of this psalm is the deceptive and prideful words that wicked people use (2–4). This psalm then shows that Yahweh’s speech, in contrast to the speech of wicked people, is morally perfect and trustworthy (6).

Note 1 topic: translate-unknown

לַ⁠מְנַצֵּ֥חַ

(Some words not found in UHB: to,choirmaster on/upon the,sheminith song of,David )

The word translated as chief musician likely refers to the person in charge of music for worship. Some languages may have a term for a music leader. Alternate translation: [For the music director] or [For the leader of worship music]

Note 2 topic: translate-names

עַֽל־הַ⁠שְּׁמִינִ֗ית

on/upon (Some words not found in UHB: to,choirmaster on/upon the,sheminith song of,David )

See how you translated the term Sheminith in the superscription to Psalm 6.