"For the cause of the oppressed and for the groaning of the needy, I will now arise," says the LORD. "I will bring safety to him who yearns." “Because of the oppression of the poor”This phrase highlights God's awareness and concern for the marginalized and oppressed. The Hebrew word for "oppression" is "שׁוֹד" (shod), which conveys a sense of violence, devastation, and ruin. Historically, the poor and needy have often been victims of exploitation and injustice. In the biblical context, God consistently shows His heart for justice and His desire to protect those who are vulnerable. This phrase serves as a reminder that God is not indifferent to the suffering of the oppressed; rather, He is moved to action by their plight. “and the groaning of the needy”
The word "groaning" comes from the Hebrew "אָנַח" (anach), which implies a deep, mournful sigh or cry for help. This expression of distress is not just a physical sound but a spiritual cry that reaches the ears of God. The "needy" refers to those who lack basic necessities and are often powerless to change their circumstances. Throughout Scripture, God is portrayed as a defender of the needy, and their groans are a call to divine intervention. This phrase reassures believers that God hears their cries and is attentive to their needs. “I will now arise,” says the LORD
The declaration "I will now arise" is a powerful statement of divine intervention. The Hebrew word "קוּם" (qum) means to stand up or take action. When God arises, it signifies a decisive moment where He steps into human history to bring about justice and deliverance. This phrase is a promise that God will not remain passive in the face of injustice. It is a call to faith, encouraging believers to trust in God's timing and His commitment to act on behalf of those who suffer. “I will bring safety to him who yearns.”
The promise of "safety" is rooted in the Hebrew word "יָשַׁע" (yasha), which means to save, deliver, or give victory. This assurance of protection and deliverance is directed towards "him who yearns," indicating a deep longing or desire for God's intervention. The yearning reflects a heart that is turned towards God, seeking His presence and help. This phrase underscores the faithfulness of God to respond to those who earnestly seek Him, providing not just physical safety but also spiritual peace and assurance. Persons / Places / Events 1. The OppressedIndividuals who are suffering under unjust treatment or hardship. In the context of Psalm 12, they represent those who are marginalized and in need of divine intervention. 2. The NeedyThose who lack basic necessities or are in a state of poverty. They are often mentioned in the Bible as recipients of God's compassion and justice. 3. The LORDThe covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is portrayed as a just and compassionate defender of the oppressed and needy. 4. The Psalmist (David)Traditionally attributed to King David, who often wrote about themes of justice, deliverance, and God's faithfulness. 5. The GroaningRepresents the cries and prayers of those who are suffering, which reach the ears of God and prompt His action. Teaching Points God's Compassion for the OppressedGod is deeply moved by the suffering of the oppressed and needy. His promise to "arise" signifies His active involvement and commitment to justice. The Power of Prayer and GroaningThe groaning of the needy is not ignored by God. Believers are encouraged to bring their burdens to Him, trusting that He hears and responds. Divine Justice and ProtectionGod's promise to bring safety highlights His role as a protector and deliverer. Believers can find assurance in His commitment to justice. Call to Reflect God's HeartAs followers of Christ, we are called to reflect God's compassion and justice by advocating for and supporting the oppressed and needy in our communities. Trust in God's TimingWhile God's intervention may not always be immediate, His promise to arise assures us that He is working in His perfect timing for the good of those who trust Him. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding God's compassion for the oppressed in Psalm 12:5 influence your view of social justice today? 2. In what ways can you be a voice for the needy and oppressed in your community, reflecting God's heart as described in this verse? 3. How does the promise of God to "arise" and bring safety encourage you in your personal struggles or in the struggles of those you know? 4. What other biblical examples can you think of where God responded to the cries of the oppressed, and how do these examples strengthen your faith? 5. How can you incorporate prayer for the oppressed and needy into your daily spiritual practices, and what specific actions can you take to support them? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 3:7-8God's response to the cries of the Israelites in Egypt parallels His promise in Psalm 12:5 to arise and deliver the oppressed. Isaiah 61:1-2The mission of the Messiah to bring good news to the poor and freedom to the captives reflects God's heart for the oppressed as seen in Psalm 12:5. James 5:4The cries of the oppressed workers reach the Lord of Hosts, similar to the groaning of the needy in Psalm 12:5. People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Afflicted, Arise, Breathe, Crushing, Desiring, Despoiled, Devastation, Groan, Groaning, Longs, Malign, Needy, Oppression, Panteth, Poor, Protect, Puff, Puffeth, Safety, Salvation, Says, Sighing, Spoiling, Weak, WeepingDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 12:5 5310 exploitation
5350 injustice, hated by God
5480 protection
5568 suffering, causes
5569 suffering, hardship
5825 cruelty, God's attitude
5888 inferiority
8791 oppression, nature of
8792 oppression, God's attitude Psalm 12:1-7 5951 slander Library The Pharisee and the Publican
Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a Publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself; God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this Publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the Publican, standing afar off would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.-- Luke, xviii. 10-13. In the beginning …
John Bunyan—The Pharisee And PublicanPaul's Departure and Crown;
OR, AN EXPOSITION UPON 2 TIM. IV. 6-8 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR How great and glorious is the Christian's ultimate destiny--a kingdom and a crown! Surely it hath not entered into the heart of man to conceive what ear never heard, nor mortal eye ever saw? the mansions of the blest--the realms of glory--'a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.' For whom can so precious an inheritance be intended? How are those treated in this world who are entitled to so glorious, so exalted, so eternal, …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican
WHEREIN SEVERAL GREAT AND WEIGHTY THINGS ARE HANDLED: AS, THE NATURE OF PRAYER, AND OF OBEDIENCE TO THE LAW, WITH HOW FAR IT OBLIGES CHRISTIANS, AND WHEREIN IT CONSISTS. WHEREIN IS ALSO SHEWED, THE EQUALLY DEPLORABLE CONDITION OF THE PHARISEE, OR HYPOCRITICAL AND SELF-RIGHTEOUS MAN; AND OF THE PUBLICAN, OR SINNER THAT LIVES IN SIN, AND IN OPEN VIOLATION OF THE DIVINE LAWS. TOGETHER WITH THE WAY AND METHOD OF GOD'S FREE GRACE IN PARDONING PENITENT SINNERS; PROVING THAT HE JUSTIFIES THEM BY IMPUTING …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 The Scriptures
Q-II: WHAT RULE HAS GOD GIVEN TO DIRECT US HOW WE MAY GLORIFY AND ENJOY HIM? A: The Word of God, which is contained in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him. 2 Tim 3:16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,' By Scripture is understood the sacred Book of God. It is given by divine inspiration; that is, the Scripture is not the contrivance of man's brain, but is divine in its origin. The image of Diana was had in veneration …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Opposition to Messiah Ruinous
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel T here is a species of the sublime in writing, which seems peculiar to the Scripture, and of which, properly, no subjects but those of divine revelation are capable, With us, things inconsiderable in themselves are elevated by splendid images, which give them an apparent importance beyond what they can justly claim. Thus the poet, when describing a battle among bees, by a judicious selection of epithets …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 The Holiness of God
The next attribute is God's holiness. Exod 15:51. Glorious in holiness.' Holiness is the most sparkling jewel of his crown; it is the name by which God is known. Psa 111:1. Holy and reverend is his name.' He is the holy One.' Job 6:60. Seraphims cry, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory.' Isa 6:6. His power makes him mighty, his holiness makes him glorious. God's holiness consists in his perfect love of righteousness, and abhorrence of evil. Of purer eyes than …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Appendix xix. On Eternal Punishment, According to the Rabbis and the New Testament
THE Parables of the Ten Virgins' and of the Unfaithful Servant' close with a Discourse on the Last Things,' the final Judgment, and the fate of those Christ's Righ Hand and at His Left (St. Matt. xxv. 31-46). This final Judgment by our Lord forms a fundamental article in the Creed of the Church. It is the Christ Who comes, accompanied by the Angelic Host, and sits down on the throne of His Glory, when all nations are gathered before Him. Then the final separation is made, and joy or sorrow awarded …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 12:5 NIVPsalm 12:5 NLTPsalm 12:5 ESVPsalm 12:5 NASBPsalm 12:5 KJV
Psalm 12:5 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
