Jamieson–Fausset–Brown CommentaryPsalms 5

PSALM 5

Psa 5:1-12. 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 (Psa 10:17; compare Psa 61:2)--give close attention. my cry--that is, for help (Psa 61:2; Jr 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 Psa 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" (Psa 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 (Psa 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 Psa 3:3).