- Safety
Psalm 12.5
For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the Lord; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him.
For the sake of, and for the help of, the poor and needy the Lord promises to arise and put the poor and needy in safety. First, we humble ourselves through contrition and repentance to realize that are poor and needy (dust and ashes). Second, we trust in the Lord to go to battle for us and rescue us and put us in the safe house, where the enemy can only puff at us but cannot bring us down. Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity.
First, we are helpless and dependent; second, He fights and keeps us safe; third, we rest secure under His care and protection. The enemy oppresses us and we sigh because of the feeling of helplessness. Then God arises: arise means to get up and get ready for battle in spiritual warfare. He defeats the enemy and places us in safety where the enemy cannot harm us, behind the shield of faith and the armor of righteousness and under the covering and cleansing blood of Jesus Christ.
The promise, “I will set him in safety,” is coming into the presence of God, which has been called a refuge, fortress, hiding place, rock, high place, strong tower, and such symbols of safe places where one can be kept safe and secure from the enemy. We live our lives surrounded by spiritual enemies all the time who may oppress us at will. In time of need when attacked or tempted the Lord promise to protect the oppressed poor and needs and make them safe. He promises rest, deliverance and salvation from the enemies of the humble and needy, who long for repose in the bosom of God.
And, by the way, in verse 6, following after this promise, it says that the promises of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace purified seven times. God’s promises are precious and reliable.