Psalms 12:1 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

PSALM 12 The same title is prefixed to Psa 6. This Psalm was composed in the time and upon the occasion of Saul's ill government, and his persecution of David, and other good men who favoured him. David, being destitute of human comfort, craveth help of God, Psalms 12:1. He exclaims against flattering and deceitful tongues, Psalms 12:2; and comforteth himself with God's judgment on them, Psalms 12:3,4; and assureth himself of his tried mercies to the needy, Psalms 12:5-8. Help; or, save me and other good men from the subtlety and rage of wicked men. Saul will not help us, and other men cannot help; therefore it is a fit season for thee to help. The godly; or, kind, or merciful, as this word is oft used, as Psalms 30:5, Psalms 31:24 86:2: q.d. I and my friends are sorely and causelessly persecuted, banished from our homes and friends, and, which is worst of all, from God's sanctuary, and yet few or none pity us; all mercy and humanity is lost. The faithful fail; men have lost not only serious piety, but even common honesty, in their words and dealings with men.