The words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace, like gold purified sevenfold. The words of the LORDThis phrase emphasizes the divine origin and authority of the message. In Hebrew, the word for "words" is "imrah," which signifies a spoken word or command. The use of "LORD" in all caps indicates the covenant name of God, Yahweh, highlighting His eternal and unchanging nature. This phrase assures believers that what follows is not merely human wisdom but divine truth, underscoring the reliability and sanctity of God's communication to humanity. are flawless
The Hebrew word for "flawless" is "tahor," meaning pure or clean. This term is often used in the context of ceremonial purity, suggesting that God's words are untainted by error or deceit. In a world where human words can be misleading or corrupt, the purity of God's words stands in stark contrast, offering a foundation of truth and integrity. This purity assures believers that they can trust in God's promises and guidance without fear of being led astray. like silver refined in a furnace
This simile draws from the ancient process of refining silver, where the metal is heated to remove impurities. The imagery of a furnace suggests intense heat and purification, symbolizing the thoroughness with which God's words are tested and proven. Historically, silver refining was a meticulous process, and this comparison emphasizes the meticulous care and precision of God's communication. It reassures believers that God's words have been tested and are free from any imperfection. like gold purified sevenfold
The number seven in biblical literature often symbolizes completeness or perfection. Gold, being one of the most precious metals, represents value and worth. The phrase "purified sevenfold" suggests a process of complete and perfect purification. This imagery conveys the idea that God's words are not only pure but also of the highest value and reliability. For believers, this means that God's promises and instructions are perfectly trustworthy and hold immense worth for guiding their lives. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 12, David was the second king of Israel and a man after God's own heart. He often wrote psalms during times of distress, seeking God's intervention and expressing trust in His word. 2. The LORDThe central figure in this verse, representing the God of Israel, whose words are described as flawless and pure. 3. Refining ProcessThe imagery of refining silver and gold is used to describe the purity and perfection of God's words. This process involves intense heat to remove impurities, symbolizing the thoroughness and reliability of divine communication. Teaching Points The Perfection of God's WordGod's words are without flaw, providing a reliable foundation for faith and life. Believers can trust in the Scriptures as a source of truth and guidance. The Refining ProcessJust as silver and gold are refined to remove impurities, God's words are pure and tested. This imagery encourages believers to seek purity in their own lives, allowing God's word to refine their hearts and minds. The Value of ScriptureThe comparison to precious metals highlights the immense value of God's word. Believers are encouraged to treasure Scripture, investing time in reading and meditating on it. Trust in Divine PromisesThe flawless nature of God's words assures believers that His promises are trustworthy. This assurance can provide comfort and hope in times of uncertainty. Application in Daily LifeBelievers are called to apply the truths of Scripture in their daily lives, allowing God's word to guide their decisions and actions. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of refining silver and gold enhance your understanding of the purity of God's words in Psalm 12:6? 2. In what ways can you apply the concept of God's flawless words to your daily decision-making and problem-solving? 3. How does the assurance of God's trustworthy promises in Psalm 12:6 provide comfort in your current life circumstances? 4. Reflect on a time when Scripture has acted as a refining force in your life. How did it help you grow in faith and character? 5. How can you prioritize the value of God's word in your life, similar to how one would treasure refined gold or silver? Consider practical steps you can take to deepen your engagement with Scripture. Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 19:7-10This passage also speaks of the perfection and desirability of God's laws, comparing them to gold and honey, emphasizing their value and purity. Proverbs 30:5This verse affirms that every word of God is flawless, providing a shield to those who take refuge in Him, reinforcing the theme of divine reliability. 1 Peter 1:7The refining of faith is compared to the refining of gold, drawing a parallel to the purification process mentioned in Psalm 12:6. People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics TRUE, Clay, Clean, Crucible, Fire, Flawless, Furnace, Ground, Promises, Pure, Purified, Refined, Sayings, Seven, Sevenfold, Silver, Tested, TriedDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 12:6 1100 God, perfection
1150 God, truth of
1653 numbers, 6-10
4303 metals
4315 clay
4351 refining
4363 silver
5321 furnace
5548 speech, divine
7416 purification
8321 perfection, divine
8325 purity, nature of 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 12:6 NIVPsalm 12:6 NLTPsalm 12:6 ESVPsalm 12:6 NASBPsalm 12:6 KJV
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