A Prayer Through Psalms: Chapter 5

Psalm 5

For the director of music. For pipes. A psalm of David.

1 Listen to my words, Lord,

   consider my lament.

2 Hear my cry for help,

   my King and my God,

   for to you I pray.

3 In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;

   in the morning I lay my requests before you

   and wait expectantly.

4 For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness;

   with you, evil people are not welcome.

5 The arrogant cannot stand

   in your presence.

You hate all who do wrong;

6     you destroy those who tell lies.

The bloodthirsty and deceitful

   you, Lord, detest.

7 But I, by your great love,

   can come into your house;

in reverence I bow down

   toward your holy temple.

8 Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness

   because of my enemies—

   make your way straight before me.

9 Not a word from their mouth can be trusted;

   their heart is filled with malice.

Their throat is an open grave;

   with their tongues they tell lies.

10 Declare them guilty, O God!

   Let their intrigues be their downfall.

Banish them for their many sins,

   for they have rebelled against you.

11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad;

   let them ever sing for joy.

Spread your protection over them,

   that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

12 Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous;

   you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

The psalmist calls out to God in a time of distress, trusting that God will be faithful and protect him. The psalmist makes it clear that his distress is caused by the words of the wicked. 

5:1- The Hebrew word for "groaning" implies a muttering more similar to reflection or meditation.

5:2- David is the king of Israel yet he still recognizes that God's kingship is far greater than his.

5:4- God hates sin... God is completely separate from evil, and as such sinful people cannot dwell with Him unless there is a substitutionary sacrifice.

5:7- David recognizes that he is also set apart from wicked because of the grace and love of God. If it weren't for God's grace, his sin would destroy him.

5:8- The safe path is the path which follows God.

5:9- Evil speech brings death

5:10- The psalmist calls for the punishment of the wicked for their sin. Sin often comes with consequences. 

My prayer today is that we will be in thanksgiving for the loving kindness of God our savior. If it weren't for His grace our sin would've caused our ultimate destruction. But Jesus Christ condescended and gave himself up as the ultimate sacrifice so that we do not have to bear the punishment for our sins. Amen.