Psalms 5:3

KJV

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct [my prayer] unto thee, and will look up.

KJV (with Strong's)

My voice {H6963} shalt thou hear {H8085} in the morning {H1242}, O LORD {H3068}; in the morning {H1242} will I direct {H6186} my prayer unto thee, and will look up {H6822}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI, in the morning you will hear my voice; in the morning I lay my needs before you and wait expectantly.

Berean Standard Bible

In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; at daybreak I lay my plea before You and wait in expectation.

American Standard Version

O Jehovah, in the morning shalt thou hear my voice; In the morning will I order my prayer unto thee, and will keep watch.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 5:3 encapsulates King David's profound commitment to initiating his day with intentional, disciplined communion with God. This verse reveals a deep-seated and expectant faith, where prayer transcends a mere casual thought, becoming instead a deliberate act of presenting one's petitions and waiting with confident anticipation for divine response. It serves as a timeless paradigm for believers, emphasizing the spiritual discipline of prioritizing God's presence and guidance at the very outset of daily life, anchoring one's existence in divine fellowship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 5 is a fervent individual lament and prayer for deliverance, likely penned by David during a period of intense adversity or persecution. The psalm begins with an earnest appeal for God to heed his plea and consider his supplication (verses 1-2). Immediately following the declaration in verse 3, David articulates his abhorrence for the wicked and expresses unwavering trust in God's righteous judgment against those who practice deceit and violence (verses 4-6). The narrative then shifts to David's confident approach to God's sanctuary, seeking divine direction and protection from his adversaries (verses 7-8), culminating in a final prayer for the downfall of the wicked and the bestowal of blessing upon the righteous (verses 9-12). Thus, verse 3 establishes David's fundamental posture of faith and reliance on God, serving as the spiritual bedrock upon which his subsequent appeals for justice and deliverance are built.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** As the King of Israel, David's life was frequently marked by external warfare and internal conspiracies, leading to periods of flight, betrayal, and conflict. In the ancient Near East, the morning was widely recognized as a significant time for engaging in religious rituals, offering sacrifices, and presenting petitions to deities. This timing was often associated with the rising sun, symbolizing new beginnings, divine revelation, or the start of a new day's endeavors. Kings and leaders, in particular, would frequently commence their day with spiritual practices or consultations to secure divine favor for their rule and military campaigns. David's practice, while aligning with this cultural understanding, transcends mere ritual, emphasizing a deeply personal and relational encounter with Yahweh. His "directing" of prayer reflects a meticulous, disciplined approach, akin to preparing an offering or meticulously presenting a legal case before a judge, a common and respected practice in ancient judicial systems.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 5:3 profoundly contributes to several pivotal themes pervasive throughout the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Dependence on God**, showcasing David's unwavering reliance on the Lord as his ultimate source of strength, help, and salvation, a consistent motif found in passages such as [Psalm 62:5-8](/psalms/62-5-8 "Psalm 62:5-8 - My Soul Waits for God Alone"). The verse also strongly underscores **Discipline in Devotion**, portraying prayer not as a casual or reactive act, but as a purposeful, prioritized, and intentional activity, echoing the call to diligently seek God found in [Proverbs 8:17](/proverbs/8-17 "Proverbs 8:17 - Wisdom Loves Those Who Love Her"). Furthermore, it highlights the theme of **Expectant Faith**, as David "looks up" in hopeful anticipation of God's response, a posture of trust that permeates the psalms, as powerfully demonstrated in [Psalm 27:14](/psalms/27-14 "Psalm 27:14 - Wait for the Lord"). This daily, intentional seeking of God establishes a foundational pattern for spiritual vitality, resilience, and unwavering trust in the face of life's adversities.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Voice (Hebrew, _qôwl'_):** This term (H6963) refers to a sound, noise, or voice. In this context, it signifies David's audible and personal cry to God, implying a direct, intimate communication that is not merely a silent thought but a vocalized expression of his heart's condition and petitions. The emphasis on "my voice" underscores the personal and earnest nature of this communion.
* **Direct (Hebrew, _ʻârak'_):** This verb (H6186) means "to set in a row," "to arrange," "to put in order," or "to prepare." It conveys the idea of a purposeful, methodical, and careful presentation. David is not merely uttering words; he is meticulously arranging his prayer before God, much like an archer carefully aims an arrow, a priest prepares an offering on an altar, or a lawyer presents a well-structured case in court. This suggests intentionality, focus, and earnestness in his approach to prayer.
* **Look up (Hebrew, _tsâphâh'_):** The root meaning of this verb (H6822) is "to lean forward," "to peer into the distance," "to observe," or "to await." It implies an active, vigilant, and expectant posture. David is not merely glancing; he is intently watching and waiting for God's response, guidance, or intervention. This word conveys deep trust and anticipation, reflecting a profound belief that God hears and will faithfully act.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD":** This opening clause establishes the specific time and the divine recipient of David's prayer. The phrase "in the morning" signifies the very beginning of the day, before its demands and distractions fully emerge, indicating a deliberate prioritization of God. The direct address "O LORD" (Yahweh, H3068) emphasizes a personal, covenantal relationship with the sovereign God of Israel. David expresses a confident expectation that his audible, heartfelt cry will indeed reach the divine ear, highlighting God's attentiveness and accessibility to His faithful.
* **"in the morning will I direct [my prayer] unto thee":** This phrase powerfully reiterates the intentionality and disciplined nature of David's devotion. The repetition of "in the morning" underscores its profound significance as a dedicated time. To "direct [my prayer]" implies a focused, purposeful, and well-ordered presentation of his requests and meditations. It is an act of aiming his spiritual attention and petitions directly toward God, ensuring they are not haphazard but deliberate, earnest, and precisely targeted.
* **"and will look up":** This concluding phrase vividly describes David's posture of expectant faith subsequent to presenting his prayer. "Looking up" signifies an attitude of anticipation, hope, and vigilant waiting. He does not merely pray and then dismiss the matter; rather, he waits actively and expectantly for God to reveal His will, provide guidance, or intervene on his behalf. This reflects a deep and abiding trust in God's faithfulness to respond to those who diligently seek Him.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 5:3 employs several powerful literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. The most prominent is **Repetition** of the phrase "in the morning," which emphatically underscores the intentionality and priority David places on his early communion with God, creating a rhythmic and memorable declaration of unwavering devotion. **Imagery** is central to the verse, particularly in the phrases "direct [my prayer]" and "will look up." "Directing prayer" evokes the vivid picture of an archer meticulously aiming an arrow at a target, a priest carefully arranging an offering on an altar, or a petitioner precisely presenting a case, conveying precision, purpose, and earnestness. "Looking up" paints a compelling picture of a sentinel on a watchtower, actively scanning the horizon with hopeful anticipation, or a child gazing up at a parent for help and guidance. This imagery transforms the abstract act of prayer into a tangible, dynamic, and expectant interaction. Furthermore, there is a subtle element of **Personification** in David's "voice" being heard and his "prayer" being directed, lending active agency and vividness to his spiritual communication.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 5:3 powerfully articulates the profound theological truth of God's intimate accessibility and unwavering responsiveness to His people's prayers, especially when offered with intentionality, discipline, and a heart of expectation. It underscores the vital importance of a consistent devotional life as a foundational aspect of genuine faith, demonstrating that communion with God is not merely a reactive cry in moments of crisis but a proactive, daily discipline. This verse connects seamlessly to the broader biblical theme of diligently seeking God and trusting implicitly in His providential care, establishing a pattern of faith where human effort in prayer is met with divine attention and transformative action. It highlights God as the attentive Listener who graciously invites His children to approach Him with their deepest needs and highest hopes, thereby fostering a deeply personal and dynamic relationship.

* [Psalm 88:13](/psalms/88-13 "Psalm 88:13 - My Prayer Comes Before You")
* [Isaiah 26:9](/isaiah/26-9 "Isaiah 26:9 - My Soul Longs for You in the Night")
* [Lamentations 3:25](/lamentations/3-25 "Lamentations 3:25 - The Lord is Good to Those Who Wait for Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 5:3 offers a profound and eminently practical blueprint for cultivating a vibrant and resilient spiritual life amidst the ceaseless demands and challenges of daily existence. David's unwavering commitment to seeking God "in the morning," before the myriad pressures and distractions of the day could take hold, serves as a powerful and timeless reminder to prioritize our relationship with the Creator above all else. It profoundly encourages us to approach prayer not as a last resort, a hurried obligation, or a perfunctory ritual, but as a deliberate, focused, and deeply intentional act of communication, "directing" our hearts and petitions to God with utmost purpose, sincerity, and reverence. Moreover, the concluding command to "look up" invites us to cultivate an enduring posture of expectant faith, trusting implicitly that God hears our prayers and will respond in His perfect timing and boundless wisdom. In a world often overwhelmed by noise, anxiety, and uncertainty, this verse issues a compelling call to anchor our days in divine communion, thereby fostering a deep and abiding sense of peace, receiving clear guidance, and cultivating a confident anticipation of God's unfailing faithfulness in every circumstance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How intentional and prioritized is my prayer life, particularly at the very beginning of my day?**
* **In what tangible ways can I more purposefully and sincerely "direct" my prayers toward God, moving beyond mere words?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to "look up" in expectant faith after I have prayed, rather than immediately moving on to other concerns?**
* **How might consistently prioritizing morning devotion profoundly impact the trajectory of my entire day and my overall spiritual well-being and resilience?**

### FAQ
**Why is "in the morning" repeated in this verse?**

Answer: The repetition of "in the morning" (H1242, _bôqer_) serves to powerfully emphasize the deliberate, disciplined, and highly prioritized nature of David's devotion. It highlights that his communion with God is not an afterthought or a casual habit, but a foundational and intentional practice, undertaken at the very outset of his day. This repetition underscores the profound significance of setting aside the "first fruits" of one's time and energy for God, establishing a pattern of seeking His presence and guidance before the day's inevitable challenges, distractions, and demands emerge. It signifies a conscious, disciplined, and unwavering choice to put God first in every aspect of life.

**What does it mean to "direct" one's prayer?**

Answer: To "direct" one's prayer (from the Hebrew H6186, _ʻârak'_) means to arrange, set in order, or prepare it purposefully and meticulously before God. It implies a focused, intentional, and well-ordered approach, rather than a casual, haphazard, or thoughtless one. Imagine an archer carefully aiming an arrow at a target with precision, or a priest meticulously preparing an offering on an altar according to specific instructions, or even a skilled lawyer presenting a well-organized and compelling case in court. This powerful phrase suggests that David's prayers were not merely uttered words but were thoughtfully composed, earnestly presented, and precisely aimed toward God, reflecting a deep reverence, seriousness, and profound intentionality in his communication with the Almighty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 5:3 finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound significance in the person and perfect work of Jesus Christ. He is the one who perfectly exemplified the discipline of morning devotion, often rising early to pray and commune intimately with His Father, as vividly depicted in [Mark 1:35](/mark/1-35 "Mark 1:35 - Jesus Prays in the Morning"). Jesus' entire earthly life was, in essence, a perfectly "directed" prayer, an unwavering alignment of His human will with the divine will of the Father, culminating in His ultimate act of obedience and self-sacrifice on the cross. There, He "directed" His life as the blemish-free, perfect offering for sin, a sacrifice made "through the eternal Spirit" ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ Offered Himself Without Blemish")). Furthermore, Jesus is the singular mediator through whom our voices are truly heard and our prayers are effectively "directed" to God. As our great High Priest, He "always lives to make intercession for them" ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Our High Priest")), ensuring that our petitions, offered in His holy name, reach the Father's ears. We, the redeemed, "look up" to Him, the "author and perfecter of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus")), knowing with absolute certainty that in Him, all of God's magnificent promises are "Yes" and "Amen" ([2_corinthians/1-20](/2-corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Thus, our ability to approach God's throne of grace with confidence and expectation, mirroring David's posture, is entirely predicated upon Christ's finished work and His ongoing, powerful intercession on our behalf.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 119:147

¶ I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.

Psalms 88:13

But unto thee have I cried, O LORD; and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee.

Mark 1:35

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

Psalms 130:6

My soul [waiteth] for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: [I say, more than] they that watch for the morning.

Psalms 55:17

Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.

Isaiah 26:9

With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments [are] in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

Psalms 69:16

Hear me, O LORD; for thy lovingkindness [is] good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies.