A Close Reading of Psalm 12: Humanity's Flaws and Yahweh's Guidance Anonymous College

The Hebrew Bible contains many stories, poems, and scripture that pave the way for humanity’s personal development and aids as a stepping stone for achieving spiritual maturity. Given the fact that humanity can adopt many interpretations of the text and that there are many forms of relationships with God, it is understandable that the Bible’s application and intent can change with time and cultural progression. The Psalms, written as forms of prayer with lyrical and poetic undertones explore themes of sorrow and worship (New Standard Revised Edition, 782-783). Specifically speaking in light of Psalm 12, Psalm 12 is an individual petition of lament written by King David in an effort to delineate his personal sorrow for the moral disorder and degradation of vile humans in exaltation. His true feelings of lament are presented and underscored with the unwavering desire to love the Lord. In accordance with the context of Psalm 12’s origination and what the Lord would have desired for His people, the answer for how to handle the vilest of humans in authoritative and dignifying positions of power is “not political action… But as the Lord leads we should be as involved in political action as is warranted” (Psalm 12 Commentary)....