Psalm 5
Psalm 5 is a morning prayer of David, expressing his deep trust in God's justice. David pleads for God to hear his cry and contrasts the righteous with the wicked. He highlights God's holiness, affirming that evil cannot dwell in His presence, and asks for guidance, protection, and favor as he faces challenges.
Psalm 5:1-3 (NKJV)
1 Give ear to my words, O Lord,
Consider my meditation.
2 Give heed to the voice of my cry,
My King and my God,
For to You I will pray.
3 My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord;
In the morning I will direct it to You,
And I will look up.
David begins the psalm with an earnest plea for God to listen to his prayer. He shows a personal relationship with God, calling Him “My King and my God.” Praying in the morning indicates his trust in God to guide his day. His posture of looking up symbolizes hope and expectation that God will answer his prayer.
Psalm 5:4-6 (NKJV)
4 For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness,
Nor shall evil dwell with You.
5 The boastful shall not stand in Your sight;
You hate all workers of iniquity.
6 You shall destroy those who speak falsehood;
The Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.
David reflects on God's holiness and His hatred of evil. God’s perfect nature cannot tolerate sin, which brings reassurance that wickedness will not prevail. Boastful, deceitful, and violent people are singled out as those God despises, underlining the seriousness of unrighteous actions. This contrast sets the stage for David’s desire to remain in God’s favor.
Psalm 5:7-8 (NKJV)
7 But as for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy;
In fear of You I will worship toward Your holy temple.
8 Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies;
Make Your way straight before my face.
David contrasts himself with the wicked by emphasizing his reverence for God. He approaches God not by his merit but through God’s mercy. Worshiping with fear implies awe and respect for God's holiness. He also asks for divine guidance amid opposition, seeking clarity and righteousness to walk rightly despite challenges.
Psalm 5:9-10 (NKJV)
9 For there is no faithfulness in their mouth;
Their inward part is destruction;
Their throat is an open tomb;
They flatter with their tongue.
10 Pronounce them guilty, O God!
Let them fall by their own counsels;
Cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions,
For they have rebelled against You.
David describes the wicked as deceitful and destructive, using imagery of a tomb to indicate the spiritual death that flows from their words. He calls for divine justice, asking God to let the wicked face the consequences of their schemes. The focus on rebellion against God shows that sin is not just personal but also an offense against the Creator.
Psalm 5:11-12 (NKJV)
11 But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You;
Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them;
Let those also who love Your name
Be joyful in You.
12 For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous;
With favor You will surround him as with a shield.
David concludes with a prayer of confidence for the righteous. He anticipates joy and security for those who trust in God, affirming that God defends and blesses His people. God's favor is described as a protective shield, symbolizing the complete security and peace that come from walking in His ways.