Psalms 5 A Prayer for Guidance

Upon nehiloth--flutes or wind instruments. The writer begs to be heard, on the ground of God's regard for his covenant-people and true worshippers as contrasted with his holy hatred to the wicked. He prays for divine guidance, on account of his watchful, malignant, and deceitful enemies; And for their destruction as being also God's enemies. At the same time he expresses his confidence that God will extend aid to his people

1

meditation — moanings of that half-uttered form to which deep feeling gives rise — groanings, as in Ro 8:26,

27

2. Hearken — incline the ear (Ps 10:17; compare Ps 61:2) — give close attention. my cry — that is, for help (Ps 61:2; Jer 8:19). my King — thus by covenant relation interested in my cause.

3

direct — literally, "set in order," as the showbread was placed or set in order (Ex 40:23).

4

For, &c. — God only regards sincere worshippers. evil — or, "the evil man." dwell — lodge, remain under protection.

5

foolish — vainglorious and insolent. iniquity — especially such as denotes a negation, or defect, that is, of moral principle.

6

leasing — a lie. the bloody... man — literally, "man of blood" — murderer.

7

But — as in Ps 2:6, literally, "and." house — (1Ch 9:23), the tabernacle. temple — literally, "palace," applied to God's residence, the Holy of Holies (1Sa 3:3; 2Sa 22:7); the inner part of the tabernacle. toward — not in; the high priest alone was allowed to enter.

8

enemies — literally, "watchers" (Ps 27:11), hence special need of guidance. in thy righteousness — an attribute implying faithfulness in promises as well as threatenings. make thy way straight — that is, make the way of providence plain.

9

The wicked are not reliable because by nature they are full of wickedness, or literally, "wickednesses," of every kind (Ro 8:7). sepulchre — a dwelling-place of corruption, emitting moral putridness. flatter — or, "make smooth." their tongue — speaks deceitfully.

10

Destroy — or, "condemn" them to destruction as guilty.

11

defendest — (compare Margin). love thy name — Thy manifested perfections (Ps 9:10).

12

with favour — or, "acceptance," alluding to the favor shown to an acceptable offering and worshipper (Le 7:18; 19:7). shield — (compare Ps 3:3).