Psalms 5:1-12 - G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

This is another song of the morning. It opens with language which reveals the reason of the soul's assurance as it faces another day. First are petitions asking the attention of Jehovah. These are followed by words which reveal at once the singer's conception of personal responsibility, and the reason of his confidence in God. As to the former, the day is to be begun in prayer.

O Jehovah, in the morning shalt Thou hear my voice. It is moreover, to be arranged as in the sight of God, In the morning will I order my prayer unto Thee, and will keep watch.

The attitude of God toward wickedness and evil men is then declared. This attitude at once makes the singer sure of his safety as against the opposition of evil men, and causes his concern about his own position before God.

Turning his eyes toward the enemies that wait for him, whom he describes, he seeks the divine guidance, desiring most of all to see plainly before his face the way of Jehovah. As he goes forth to meet these enemies, he does so with a prayer that God will defeat their counsels and vindicate those who put their trust in Him. There is no doubt or uncertainty in his heart. The things he asks for he is assured he will receive and with an affirmation of this confidence the song ends.

Psalms 5:1-12

1 Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.

2 Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.

3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

4 For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.

5 The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.

6 Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloodya and deceitful man.

7 But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holyb temple.

8 Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.

9 For there is no faithfulnessc in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.

10 Destroyd thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee.

11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendeste them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.

12 For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compassf him as with a shield.