Psalms 5:5

Context of Psalm 5:5

Psalm 5 is a morning prayer of David, likely composed during a time of intense personal distress or national conflict, where he faced opposition from wicked enemies. Throughout the psalm, David appeals to God's righteous character, contrasting it with the deceit and wickedness of his adversaries. This particular verse, Psalm 5:5, is part of David's expression of confidence in God's justice and His ultimate judgment against those who practice evil. It follows verses where David describes God's abhorrence of evil actions and precedes his plea for divine guidance and protection.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Justice and Holiness: This verse powerfully underscores God's absolute holiness and His active opposition to sin. God is not indifferent to wickedness; His very nature is pure and righteous, making Him incompatible with evil.
• Consequences of Wickedness: The phrase "The foolish shall not stand in thy sight" signifies that those who persist in moral folly and rebellion against God cannot endure His holy presence or receive His approval. Their actions lead to divine disapproval and ultimately, judgment. This theme resonates with Psalm 1:5, which states the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment.
• God's Abhorrence of Evil: "Thou hatest all workers of iniquity" expresses God's profound and righteous indignation towards sin. This "hatred" is not a human emotion of malice, but a holy antipathy towards all that is contrary to His perfect will and character. It reflects His commitment to justice and His unwavering stand against all forms of unrighteousness. We see a similar sentiment in Psalm 11:5, where God's soul hates the wicked and him that loveth violence.

Linguistic Insights

• "Foolish" (נְבָלִים - nevalim): In biblical Hebrew, "foolish" often denotes more than a lack of intelligence. It primarily refers to moral depravity, spiritual insensitivity, and a rebellious heart that disregards God's wisdom and commands. This is the opposite of the wisdom that begins with the fear of the LORD, as highlighted in Proverbs 1:7.
• "Workers of iniquity" (פֹּעֲלֵי אָוֶן - po'aley aven): This phrase literally means "doers of wickedness" or "those who practice evil." It describes individuals who habitually engage in harmful, unjust, or sinful acts, making iniquity their regular practice.
• "Hatest" (שָׂנֵאתָ - sane'ta): This strong verb emphasizes God's absolute and decisive opposition to sin. It signifies a complete separation and rejection of evil, rather than a capricious emotional response. God's hatred is directed at the act of sin and the persistent practice of it, not necessarily the person in a way that precludes repentance.

Practical Application

For believers, Psalm 5:5 offers both a comfort and a challenge:

1. Comfort in God's Justice: It assures us that God is actively engaged in upholding righteousness and will ultimately deal with all forms of evil and injustice. This provides hope and peace in a world often marked by wickedness.
2. Call to Righteousness: The verse calls us to examine our own lives. Since God hates iniquity, we are encouraged to align ourselves with His holy character, pursuing righteousness and wisdom. It serves as a reminder that "the wages of sin is death," but God offers a path to life (see Romans 6:23).
3. Repentance and Transformation: While God hates sin, His desire is for all to turn from their wicked ways. This verse implicitly invites those who might be counted among the "workers of iniquity" to repent and seek reconciliation with a holy God, who is also abundant in mercy.