Psalm 12 (11):7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

What is the relationship between these words and the previous ones? It is both profound and immediate. Do not assume, he warns, that these statements are made lightly or are without consequence: His words are untainted, devoid of deceit. Just as refined silver is pure and free from impurities, so too must God's declarations be fulfilled, whatever they may be. This is why it is said, ‘molten silver, tried in the earth.’ An alternative translation (Aquila) states: molten, walking in the earth. The Hebrew text, instead of ‘tested in the earth,’ refers to it as vaalil laares, meaning molten, flowing in the earth. ‘Sevenfold purified.’ Do you perceive how the prophet, through this imagery, conveys the unchangeable and truthful nature of God? Just as silver that has been melted, scorched, and repeatedly refined is liberated from all impurities after thorough purification, so it is with the Divine word.

The complete purification is achieved by those who remain untainted by hypocrisy. They undergo a sevenfold cleansing through reverence for God, through piety, through understanding, through strength, through resolve, through discernment, and through wisdom.

The declarations of the Lord are genuine and pure, resembling silver refined in a furnace. The authentic words of deliverance are akin to silver that has been purified repeatedly in the crucible. The expression ‘seven times’ is preferred over ‘many times,’ as this reflects the customary language found in the Holy Scriptures.

The Prophet employed the phrase 'seven days' in place of 'many times,' as is typical in the sacred writings.

They are referred to as pure because they purify us from all the impurities of sin, and as refined silver due to their brilliance and luminosity, akin to that of silver. Additionally, they are divine and test our hearts, since in the Gospel the heart is described as earth. The term sevenfold but purified signifies that we seek to purify each commandment fully. To illustrate this, let us consider one commandment. The law states, "Thou shalt not kill" (Ex. 20:13). To purify this commandment seven times, one must not only refrain from taking a life but must also respond to the needs of others.

The declarations of the Lord are unblemished. David emphasizes previously that the Lord has solely uttered words, now affirming that these words are pure and entirely free from falsehood. The imagery of silver being melted down illustrates this; it signifies that the divine words are refined and devoid of deceit, resembling silver that has been cleansed of impurities. As Chrysostom elaborates, the expression "tempted of the earth" signifies being tested through earthly processes since silversmiths utilize earth in their smelting methods. This emphasizes the purity of God’s messages, paralleling the concept of being refined thoroughly.

Just as silver, when refined through repeated firings, cannot be doubted to have any external imperfections, the words of the Lord, distinctly articulated, are entirely truthful, pure, and free from any falsehood.

Through these statements, the Prophet illustrates that the assurances of the Lord, referenced in the prior verse, stand in stark contrast to the deceptive promises of mere mortals. They are true and reliable, akin to silver tested by fire. This imagery indicates silver that is genuine and pure, identifiable by its distinct sound, weight, and clarity. It is silver that has been refined multiple times—seven times, symbolizing completeness—by skilled artisans, purged of all impurities and dross.

God's words are unblemished, genuine, and devoid of deceit: ‘Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away’ (Matthew 24:35). The teachings of Christ are akin to refined silver, embodying compassion and mercy towards our neighbors. The world is lured by temptation, as the sin of immorality creates a divide between humanity and holiness, akin to the separation of silver from the earth, and the celestial from the terrestrial, as it is said: ‘Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth’ (Matthew 6:19). This world is sanctified by the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit, through which the Ecumenical Councils received purification and illumination (Athanasius, Ambrose, Basil). Everything is made evident; all speaks of goodness, truth, and eternal life—and it is a call for all to embrace it. Yet, what is the reason for the discord, and why does unity remain elusive?