Psalms 5
Read Psalms 5 (WEB)+
1Give ear to my words, Yahweh. Consider my meditation. 2Listen to the voice of my cry, my King and my God; for to you do I pray. 3Yahweh, in the morning you shall hear my voice. In the morning I will lay my requests before you, and will watch expectantly. 4For you are not a God who has pleasure in wickedness. Evil can’t live with you. 5The arrogant shall not stand in your sight. You hate all workers of iniquity. 6You will destroy those who speak lies. Yahweh abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man. 7But as for me, in the abundance of your loving kindness I will come into your house. I will bow toward your holy temple in reverence of you. 8Lead me, Yahweh, in your righteousness because of my enemies. Make your way straight before my face. 9For there is no faithfulness in their mouth. Their heart is destruction. Their throat is an open tomb. They flatter with their tongue. 10Hold them guilty, God. Let them fall by their own counsels; Thrust them out in the multitude of their transgressions, for they have rebelled against you. 11But let all those who take refuge in you rejoice, Let them always shout for joy, because you defend them. Let them also who love your name be joyful in you. 12For you will bless the righteous. Yahweh, you will surround him with favor as with a shield.
World English Bible (public domain)
“For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield.”
Psalms 5:12
Summary
Psalm 5 is a heartfelt morning prayer by David, expressing his dependence on God in the face of adversaries. He begins by asking God to hear his words and observe his sighing, demonstrating a personal and intimate relationship with the Divine. The psalm portrays God as a righteous judge who abhors evil, reminding readers that wickedness cannot dwell with Him. David contrasts the destinies of the wicked and the righteous, emphasizing the protection and shelter available to those who take refuge in God. The prayer reflects on the character of God as both just and merciful. David pleads for guidance and the destruction of his enemies, showing trust that God will lead him on a righteous path. The psalm concludes with an expression of joy for those who find refuge in God, underscoring that divine favor surrounds the righteous as a shield. This chapter emphasizes themes of divine justice, the futility of wickedness, and the safety and joy found in God’s presence. It assures believers of God's attentive ear to their prayers and His willingness to protect and guide those who trust in Him.
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