Silver Purified by Trish Reimer

Psalm 12

Observe:
 
David begins by begging the Lord for help because he can’t trust anyone (vs. 1&2).  He asks God to silence the boastful (vs. 3 &4). The Lord responds by saying that He will protect His people from those boasters and goes on to say that His word is as flawless as silver that has been purified (vs. 5&6).  Finally, we have the assurance that God will protect and preserve us from the wicked (vs. 7&8).
 
Interpret:
 
I’d like to focus on verse 6 and talk a little about silver purified.  When does silver become pure?  Well, the more times heat is applied to silver, the more pure it becomes.  Not all silver is pure silver unless the impurities are removed by the process of smelting.  The heat of a furnace (or crucible) extracts silver from the slag (bronze, iron, lead, or tin), leaving the desired metal in its pure state – undefiled. The number seven here is important as well because in the Bible it is known to be symbolic of completion. Silver is also more durable than gold, or at least less malleable.  Therefore, we know that God’s Word is as flawless, pure and durable as we could ever wish it to be!
 
Application:
 
Do you see God’s Word as something to just take for granted?  Do you believe that He will keep His promises and take to heart that He will protect you from the wicked?  Do you value His Word, knowing that each written letter is silver purified?
 
Prayer:
 
Heavenly Father, thank You for drawing our attention using silver to show us that Your Word is flawless, pure, durable and valuable.  Keep us faithful to reading Your Word and hiding it in our hearts.  Give us opportunities to share Your silver purified Word with others.  We pray this in the name of Your Son Jesus, for His honour and glory.  Amen.

Song: Thy Word is a Lamp Unto My Feet - Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith