Tehillim 12

Thank you for studying l'ilui nishmot Helen Moskovits and Fannie Lehmann. Their legendary kindness supported hundreds of World War 2 sh'erit ha'pleyta. Their profound connection to Tehillim is inspirational to this day. Sponsored by their grandchildren Yitzchok and Barbie Lehmann Siegel.

From Kings to Chronicles by Way of Psalms

This Psalm is "al ha-sheminis," "on the eighth." This could be an eight-stringed instrument, as in Psalm 6, or it could be a prophetic reference to the nearly-successful attempt of Queen Ataliah to eradicate David's descendants, eight generations hence. (Or both!) See II Kings chapter 11 and Rashi on II Chronicles 22:11. In its simplest sense, David is speaking of his own persecution by Saul.

David asks G-d to please save (him? his descendants?), because the righteous are being eradicated. Honest people have disappeared; only two-faced liars remain. David asks G-d to put an end to their falsehoods, both spoken and internal. They think their glib tongues can get them out of any situation. They oppress the poor with impunity. G-d sees this and "arises" to defend the helpless.

G-d's words are pure as the finest silver. Just as the silver has no impurities, G-d's words contain no falsehoods; His promise can be relied upon. G-d will protect the innocent victims from their malicious attackers. What a generation it is when such lowly people are respected. The tables will turn and the ones they oppress will be elevated.

Author: Rabbi Jack Abramowitz