Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 5

David’s Morning PrayerThis psalm is connected to the word Nehiloth, which is thought to mean wind instruments, probably showing how the psalm was sung. In these verses, David teaches us about prayer and about God’s character. He reminds us that God listens to prayers but also hates sin. David shows us how to come to God with the right attitude, to pray sincerely, and to avoid evil.v. 1: David begins by asking, Give ear to my words, O Lord

v. 2: David asks, Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King and my God: for unto thee will I pray . He teaches us to pray with feeling and trust. David believes God will pay attention to his situation and answer with kindness. Our prayers should come from our hearts, not just from our lips. When we cry out to God honestly, He will notice and care.

v. 3: David promises, My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord

v. 4: David remembers that God is holy. He says, For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee . God never enjoys sin. Even if bad people seem to succeed, it does not mean God is pleased with them. God is pure and hates evil, even when people hide it under religion or good works.

v. 5: David says, The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity . People who continue to do wrong are called foolish by God. They cannot be close to Him or be accepted by Him. Sin is foolishness, and those who love sin are separated from God. God hates sin and those who choose to make themselves His enemies.

v. 6: David continues, Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the Lord

Delight in Public Worship; Happiness of the RighteousIn these verses, David talks about three groups: himself, his enemies, and all of God’s people. For each group, he says a prayer. David describes his own love for worship, the evil character of his enemies, and the joy and safety of the righteous. He teaches us to trust God, to pray for guidance, and to find happiness in God’s protection.v. 7: David says, 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 holy temple . He promises to stay close to God and worship Him. David knows that God’s holiness and justice do not scare faithful people away. Instead, they invite us to come to God with respect. David wants to worship God, not just alone, but with others in God’s house. He comes with a humble heart, depending on God’s mercy, not on his own goodness. David worships with deep respect, knowing that God is great and holy (Hebrews 12:28 ).

v. 8: David prays, Lead me, O Lord

v. 9: David describes his enemies: For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue . His enemies lie and cannot be trusted. They pretend to be friendly but only want to harm him. Their words are smooth, but their hearts are full of evil. David says they are like an open grave, ready to harm others, just as Paul later wrote about the evil of all people (Romans 3:13; Titus 3:3 ).

v. 10: David prays against his enemies: Destroy 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 . He asks God to judge them for their many sins and for rebelling against God, not just against David. He knows that people who fight against God will be ruined, often by their own evil plans (Psalm 7:15; Psalm 9:15 ). David’s prayer is not for revenge, but because he knows God is just and will punish those who hurt His people (2 Thessalonians 1:6 ).

v. 11: David prays for all of God’s people: But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee . He asks God to make His people happy and joyful because He protects them. People who trust in God and love His name can rejoice, no matter what happens, because God is with them, like the cloud and fire that went with Israel in the wilderness.

v. 12: David is sure that God will bless and protect the righteous: For thou, Lord