Psalms5

Psalm 5 opens with David's earnest morning prayer for God's attention and guidance. He contrasts God's righteous nature, which abhors wickedness and deceit, with the character of his enemies. The psalmist seeks divine protection and the destruction of the wicked, concluding with an affirmation that God blesses and defends those who trust in Him.

A Morning Prayer for Divine Attention

1
For the leader. On wind instruments. A psalm of David: Give ear to my words, ADONAI, consider my inmost thoughts. ​
2
Listen to my cry for help, my king and my God, for I pray to you. ​
3
ADONAI, in the morning you will hear my voice; in the morning I lay my needs before you and wait expectantly. ​

God's Holiness and Hatred of Evil

4
For you are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness; evil cannot remain with you. ​
5
Those who brag cannot stand before your eyes, you hate all who do evil, ​
6
you destroy those who tell lies, ADONAI detests men of blood and deceivers. ​

The Psalmist's Righteous Approach

7
But I can enter your house because of your great grace and love; I will bow down toward your holy temple in reverence for you. ​
8
Lead me, ADONAI, in your righteousness because of those lying in wait for me; make your way straight before me. ​

The Deceit of the Enemies

9
For in their mouths there is nothing sincere, within them are calamities, their throats are open tombs, they flatter with their tongues. ​
10
God, declare them guilty! Let them fall through their own intrigues, For their many crimes, throw them down; since they have rebelled against you. ​

Confidence in God's Protection

11
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice, let them forever shout for joy! Shelter them; and they will be glad, those who love your name. ​
12
For you, ADONAI, bless the righteous; you surround them with favor like a shield. ​

Study Notes for Psalms 5

Verse 1

The superscription mentions 'Nehiloth,' likely a musical instruction referring to flutes or wind instruments, indicating the psalm's liturgical use. David petitions God to consider his 'meditation'—a deep, often non-verbal, groan or thought process.

Verse 2

David addresses God using the covenant titles 'my King, and my God,' reinforcing his personal relationship and submission to divine authority as the basis for his appeal.

Verse 3

The commitment to praying 'in the morning' signifies dedication and expectation, seeking God's guidance and protection before the day's trials begin. 'Look up' implies waiting expectantly for a divine response.

Verse 4

This verse establishes the theological premise of the psalm: God’s inherent holiness necessitates separation from wickedness. Evil cannot 'dwell with' God, meaning it cannot coexist in His immediate, holy presence.

Verse 5

The 'foolish' (Heb. *hollim*) refers not merely to lack of intelligence, but to moral and spiritual emptiness—those who willfully disregard God’s law and wisdom.

Verse 6

'Leasing' is an archaic term for falsehood or lying. The LORD's abhorrence of the 'bloody and deceitful man' underscores that both violence and treachery are intolerable to divine justice.

Verse 7

This verse contrasts David with the wicked (v. 4-6). David approaches God's presence, not based on his own merit, but on the 'multitude of thy mercy,' worshiping toward the holy temple.

Verse 8

David requests to be led in God's 'righteousness'—meaning God's established way of moral and covenantal conduct—so that his enemies cannot cause him to stumble or be trapped.

Verse 9

This verse uses vivid imagery to describe the enemies’ absolute corruption. 'Their throat is an open sepulchre' suggests that their words, though often flattering, bring death and decay, masking deadly intent.

Verse 10

This is an imprecatory prayer, asking God to execute justice. David requests that the enemies be trapped by their 'own counsels' because their rebellion is ultimately against God's divine rule.

Verse 11

The focus shifts from judgment on the wicked to blessing for the faithful. Those who 'put their trust' (take refuge) in God are promised everlasting joy and divine defense, linking refuge with celebration.

Verse 12

This concluding verse summarizes the assurance of the righteous. God actively protects them, surrounding them with 'favour' (*rason*) like an impenetrable shield, guaranteeing their security and peace.

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