FEB 26

Psalm 12:1-8
Memorise Psalm 12:6-7
“The words of the LORD are pure words…”

Does “them” refer to the Word of God in verse 6 or the poor and needy in verse 5? In the original language of the text, the Words of God are a feminine noun and “them” a masculine pronoun. Thus it would seem that “them” must then refer to the poor and needy, according to the rules of English grammar, as the genders must match. However, this ‘inconsistency’ in genders is something that is used numerous places in the Bible, (e.g. Psalm 119:152). This blurring of the genders occurred in Hebrew grammar. Thus it is not conclusive that preservation refers to people. Hebrew grammar (rules that govern the composition of clauses, phrases and words) differs from English and we cannot force it to conform to English grammar.

The immediate context of a verse must always first be considered when interpreting the Bible. This leads to a reading of God preserving His words rather than preserving men. Further, an understanding of two devices of Biblical poetry employed here also aids our interpretation of “them”. In verse 6, synonymous parallelism occurs where the 2nd line restates the first, emphasising the first – the preservation of God’s Words. Secondly, synthetic parallelism describes the relationship between verse 6 and verse 7, where the 2nd verse expands on the teaching in the previous.

Lastly, Psalm 12 is about the pure and everlasting words of the LORD in contrast to those of wicked men that are evil. The focus is not the poor and needy.

If God has failed to preserve His Words as some claim, what does that mean for believers today? What is the “fruit” of such an interpretation of “them”? Does this mean over time we will have less and less of God’s Word with us? That the evil words of wicked men are more powerful than God’s? No. We can rest assured, and stand firm on the Word of God, pure and preserved, now and forever.

Thought: Take heart when you experience words of attacks and hurt from man. These words will pass away.
Prayer: LORD, may I hold fast to Your unchanging Word through all the
storms and tempests of life.