Psalms 12-17, 19-21

Psalm 12 - David waxes a bit melodramatic in my opinion and complains that the entire human race is a bunch of liars and he cannot trust anyone. He contrasts humanity with God and likens God silver in a crucible and gold that is refined 7 times. It also emphasizes the need for protection of the poor.

Psalm 13 - David feels abandoned or at least neglected by God because his enemies are winning. It ends with David saying he will continue to have faith in God.

Psalm 14 - David complains that corrupt atheistic evil doers are harassing his people. It makes the interesting statement that these people are filled with dread in their hearts.

Psalm 15 - David asks the question - who can dwell in God's tent? The answer is one who is blameless and then gives examples of attributes of one who would be blameless with a particular emphasis on being truthful. That seems to be a pattern throughout the psalms - David really hates liars.

Psalm 16 - this psalm is about David's loyalty to God. He makes an interesting statement that he will not offer blood sacrifices to other Gods. He also mentions that God will not abandon him to the realm of the dead.

Psalm 17 - David likes his enemies to lions and wolves surrounding him. This psalm seems similar to the ones he wrote while on the road with Saul chasing after him.

Psalm 19 - this begins as praise to God with a few interesting analogies to the sun, then honey. It ends with David asking God to help him from sinning. This is one of the more upbeat and happier psalms so far.

Psalm 20 - it begins as a blessing/benediction for other people to be blessed by God. The middle transitions to a praise of God (emphasis on protection) and ends with asking God to do the things that he praised God ("answer us when we call"). The last line could just generally mean that David expects answers from God.

Psalm 21 - this is similar to psalm 20, but just a little longer. It is a longer praise of God with a particular emphasis on personal things God has done for David - winning battles, setting him up as king, extending his life