You, O LORD, will keep us;
This phrase emphasizes the protective nature of God, highlighting His role as a guardian over His people. The use of "LORD" refers to Yahweh, the covenant name of God, indicating a personal and relational aspect. This assurance of divine protection is a recurring theme in the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 121:7-8) and reflects the trust that believers place in God's faithfulness. The term "keep" suggests not only physical protection but also spiritual preservation, aligning with the promises found in the Old Testament where God vows to be with His people (Deuteronomy 31:6).

You will forever guard us
The promise of eternal guardianship underscores God's unchanging nature and His commitment to His people. This phrase can be connected to the idea of God as a shepherd, as seen in Psalm 23, where He leads and protects His flock. The concept of God as a guardian is also echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus speaks of His followers being secure in His hand (John 10:28-29). The word "forever" indicates the timelessness of God's protection, offering comfort and hope to believers facing trials.

from this generation.
The reference to "this generation" suggests a specific group characterized by wickedness or unbelief, similar to the "crooked and perverse generation" mentioned in Philippians 2:15. In the historical context, this could refer to the corrupt society surrounding the psalmist, possibly during the reign of a wicked king or a time of national apostasy. Theologically, it highlights the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, a common theme in wisdom literature. This phrase also points to the eschatological hope that God will ultimately deliver His people from evil, as seen in the prophetic writings about the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of His kingdom (Isaiah 11:4-9).

1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 12, David is expressing a plea for divine protection amidst a corrupt generation.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His faithfulness and power to protect His people.

3. The Faithful
The righteous individuals whom God promises to protect, representing those who remain true to His word.

4. The Wicked Generation
The corrupt and deceitful people of David's time, characterized by their falsehood and oppression.

5. The Psalmist's Context
The cultural and spiritual environment of ancient Israel, where the faithful often faced challenges from those who opposed God's ways.God's Faithful Protection
Trust in God's promise to guard His people, even amidst a corrupt and deceitful generation.

The Enduring Nature of God's Word
Reflect on the reliability of God's promises, as His word is unchanging and eternal.

Living Righteously in a Corrupt World
Encourage believers to remain steadfast in their faith, knowing that God is their protector.

The Role of Prayer in Seeking Protection
Emphasize the importance of prayer in seeking God's protection and guidance in daily life.

Community of Believers
Highlight the importance of fellowship with other believers as a means of mutual encouragement and support.Verse 7. - Thou shalt keep them, O Lord. God having promised to set the righteous, who are oppressed, in a place of safety (ver. 5), the psalmist is sure that he will keep them and preserve them from the wicked "generation," which has possession of the earth, and bears rule in it, always. It is, no doubt, for the greater consolation and encouragement of these unfortunates that he dwells on the subject, and adds his own assurances to the Divine promise which he has recorded. Man's faith is so weak that, unless promises and assurances are reiterated, they make little impression. Thou shalt preserve them (Hebrew, him) from this generation for ever. The "generation" is that of the worldly men in power at the time, of whom we have heard in Psalm 3:1, 2, 6, 7; Psalm 4:2; Psalm 5:4-6, 9, 10; Psalm 6:8; Psalm 7:1, 2, 9, 13-16; Psalm 10:2-11, 15; Psalm 11:2, 3, 6. "For ever" means "so long as they live." The substitution of "him' for "them" in this clause is an instance of that generalization by which a whole class is summed up in a single individual - " all men" in "man," "all good men" in "the righteous" (צַדִּיק), and the like.

Parallel Commentaries ...


You,
אַתָּֽה־ (’at·tāh-)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

O LORD,
יְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

will keep us;
תִּשְׁמְרֵ֑ם (tiš·mə·rêm)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

You will forever guard us
תִּצְּרֶ֓נּוּ ׀ (tiṣ·ṣə·ren·nū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5341: To watch, guard, keep

from
מִן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

this
ז֣וּ (zū)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 2098: This, which, who

generation.
הַדּ֖וֹר (had·dō·wr)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1755: A revolution of time, an age, generation, a dwelling


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OT Poetry: Psalm 12:7 You will keep them Yahweh (Psalm Ps Psa.)