This morning prayer (5:3) expresses unwavering confidence in the Lord’s help and protection. The psalmist asks for and awaits God’s response (5:1–3). He describes the schemes of the wicked in detail but does not get lost in his circumstances. The psalmist also knows that the wicked cannot coexist with God (5:4–6, 9; see 1:5). He keeps returning to the Lord (5:7–8, 10; see 5:1–3), and then he prays for the godly community (5:10–12; see 3:8).
ⓘThe request hear me appears in several prayers...
The request hear me appears in several prayers as a call for God’s attention during a time of trouble (39:12; 84:8; 143:1), as does pay attention (17:1; 54:2; 130:2). The needy ask their God, “Are you listening?”
1Give ear to my words, O LORD;consider my groaning.2Attend to the sound of my cry,my King and myGod,for to You I pray.3In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice;at daybreak I lay my plea before Youand wait in expectation.4For You are not aGod who delights in wickedness;no evil can dwell with You.5The boastful cannot stand in Your presence;You hate all workers of iniquity.6You destroy those who tell lies;the LORD abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit.7But I will enter Your houseby the abundance of Your loving devotion;†in reverence I will bow downtoward Your holy temple.8Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousnessbecause of my enemies;make straightYour way before me.ⓘThe psalmist again describes the vile acts of...
The psalmist again describes the vile acts of the wicked, who cannot stand in God’s presence.
9NTFor not a word they speak can be trusted;destruction lies within them.Their throats are open graves;their tongues practice deceit.†10Declare them guilty, O God;let them fall by their own devices.Drive them out for their many transgressions,for they have rebelled against You.11But let all who take refuge in You rejoice;let them ever shout for joy.May You shelter them,that those who love Your name may rejoice in You.12For surely You, O LORD, bless the righteous;You surround them with the shieldof Your favor.
Commentary
Psalms 5:3
The psalmist begins and ends each day with prayer, awaiting new expressions of God’s fidelity and goodness (143:8).
wait expectantly: The psalmist does not demand God’s grace but places hope in it (see Mic 7:7; Hab 2:1).
Commentary
Psalms 5:5
the proud: Mockers (see study note on 1:1), the wicked (73:3; 75:4), and the arrogant (10:2) use their mouths to twist truth and challenge the faith of the godly.
The Lord allows only the godly into his presence (see 1:5). His holiness and justice do not tolerate oppression or those who do evil.
you hate: The Lord rejects proud sinners (see also 11:5).
Commentary
Psalms 5:7
God promises his unfailing love—his covenant goodness and faithfulness—to his people (see 25:6; 69:16; Lam 3:32).
your house: The godly long to come into God’s presence with reverence and awe (see Heb 12:28).
Commentary
Psalms 5:8
God guides those who are obedient, submissive, and patient in waiting for him to lead, provide, and protect them (27:11; 43:3; 143:10), not those who expect God simply to endorse their own decisions.
Following the right path of wisdom leads to the Lord (27:11; 61:2; 139:24).
A blessing rests on all who take refuge in God (see 18:30).
Joy and praise make good companions. The godly rejoice when they see evidence of God’s rescue. They sing joyful praises as a new song (see 33:3). When the Lord restores peace to this world, puts down evil, and rewards the righteous, they will have lasting joy (9:2–4; 53:6; 90:14–15; 118:24).
The children of God, who find refuge in him, love his name. To love his name is to love his very character.