Psalms 5

Ps 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

(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).