Psalm 12 (11):1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Psalm 6 indicates that the eighth can be seen as the day of judgment. It can also represent the everlasting age; for beyond the current era, which consists of seven days, it will be granted to the Saints.

The basis for the title ‘of Osmei’ (Ps. 11) closely relates to previous discussions. Every earnest pursuit of a righteous life focuses on the coming age, which is set to follow the temporal realm, defined by a cycle of seven days, known as the osmose day. Thus, the title ‘O Osmei’ encourages us to shift our attention away from the current age and instead look forward to the eighth day. When this fleeting and ephemeral existence ends, characterized by the emergence of one thing and the demise of another; when the necessity of creation concludes, and destruction is no more, the anticipated resurrection will lead to a transformation into a new state of existence. As the transient nature of time fades, the forces of creation and destruction will cease to exist.

The significance of 'osmago' appears in the sixth Psalm of David, which speaks of liberation from a wicked generation. This generation was present during the time of our Lord Jesus Christ, who remarked: 'The men of Nineveh shall rise up... and condemn... this generation' (Matthew 12:41).

The prophet expresses his anguish regarding those who are unstable in their loyalties, who offer allegiance yet betray him to his adversary Saul, revealing his whereabouts. The psalm bears the title ‘O Osmei,’ indicating the just judgment of God that the righteous Judge will carry out, as previously noted, following a period of seven days. Consequently, the psalm is also marked ‘at the end,’ signifying that the prophecy will be realized at the culmination of time.

This psalm shares the same title of ‘a psalm of the eighth’ as seen in Psalm 6. Refer to that passage for a detailed explanation. It foretells the resurrection of Christ and the retribution against the persecuted believers. The Lord, after concluding His earthly existence through death, rose again on the eighth day, which signifies the resurrection. This day is referred to as the first day because it initiates the new week; it is also the eighth day as it follows the seventh, or Sabbath. The title does not simply state ‘of the eighth’ but rather indicates ‘for the eighth,’ similar to the sixth.

The term "the eighth," mentioned in Psalm 6, signifies eternal rest. This present world does not know the eighth day; instead, after the seventh day, it perpetually reverts to the first. While there are many days counted, this particular day is unique, as it is not succeeded by any other. The prophet expresses a desire for the eradication of the evil in this world so that the fulfillment of the promised future may be realized.

SUPERSCRIPTION AND CONTENTS. In conclusion, O Osmei, this is a Psalm of David. This heading appears in Psalm 6:1. Within this Psalm, the Prophet expresses his grievances to God regarding the behavior of his contemporaries and those in his midst. He implores divine assistance against deceitful and malicious individuals. After making his plea, he encourages others to place their faith in God rather than in humanity, as the pronouncements of people are frequently misleading, while the assurances of God remain constantly true and reliable.

Throughout his life, particularly during the trials instigated by Saul and Absalom, David frequently witnessed the treachery and deceitfulness of people, noting the scarcity of genuine individuals, even among his own kin. This psalm likely emerged during these challenging times, especially during the tribulations wrought by Saul (cf. 1 Samuel 24:10; 26:19).

This psalm, like all others, is divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit for David and is meant to be understood through Christ, in Whose glory it will be praised until the end of the age. Regarding the day referenced, it corresponds to the seven days, linking to the time of the Last Judgment that the prophet uses to warn sinners of the impending wrath of God upon those who disobey. Their judgment has remained since ancient times, and their destruction does not rest (Eph. 5:6; 2 Pet. 2:3).