Psalm chapter 5

English Standard Version

1Give ear to my words, O Lord; consider my groaning. 2Give attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you do I pray. 3O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch. 4For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you. 5The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers. 6You destroy those who speak lies; the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man. 7But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you. 8 Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me. 9For there is no truth in their mouth; their inmost self is destruction; their throat is an open grave; they flatter with their tongue. 10 Make them bear their guilt, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; because of the abundance of their transgressions cast them out, for they have rebelled against you. 11But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. 12For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield.

What does Psalm chapter 5 mean?

As with Psalms 3 and 4, Psalm 5 is connected to David's conflict with his rebellious son, Absalom (2 Samuel 15:1–6). After winning a large following, Absalom attempted a murderous coup against his father (2 Samuel 15:13–14). David's writing in these several psalms includes his thoughts and feelings during this dangerous time (Psalm 3:1). The request for God to bring judgment makes this one of the so-called "imprecatory psalms."

David begins with a prayer for God's attention, including a declaration that he seeks to honor the Lord. Psalm 7:1–2 contains similar language as David seeks the favor of God in a difficult time (Psalm 5:1–3).

Next, David describes the wickedness of those who oppose him. Part of David's confidence came from knowing that he honored God, and his enemies did not. He trusts that God will ultimately vindicate him in the face of wicked opponents (Psalm 5:4–6).

Closing out this song, David expresses confidence in God's impending judgment on the wicked. Once again, he declares his sincere obedience to God. This passage directly calls on God to bring consequences on those who are evil. This is known as "imprecation," and is why this is considered one of the "imprecatory" psalms (Psalm 5:7–12).

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Book Summary
The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

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Chapter Context
Like Psalm 4, this psalm is connected to Psalm 3. Psalm 3 refers to David's rising up in the morning, whereas Psalm 4 refers to his nighttime sleep. This psalm is addressed to the choirmaster. Like Psalms 3 and 4, Psalm 5 was composed by David in the wilderness, when Absalom's forces sought to destroy him (see 2 Samuel 15—18). This is one of the ''imprecatory psalms,'' so called because they pray for God to destroy the wicked. The imprecatory psalms are Psalms 5, 12, 35, 37, 58, 59, 69, 79, 83, 108, 139, and 140. These psalms urge God to judge those who oppose God and His people. Imprecations are also found elsewhere in the Bible, such as in passages like Jeremiah 11:18–20,15:15, 17:18, 18:19–23, 20:11–12; 1 Corinthians 16:22, and Revelation 6:10.

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