Psalm 5 Meaning Explained
A prayer that treats morning as a spiritual ritual. The psalmist doesn’t just ask for help; he ‘lays out’ his case, word by word, before a God who takes no pleasure in wickedness. It paints a stark spatial reality: the wicked cannot stand in God’s presence, but the righteous are surrounded by divine favor as with a shield, establishing prayer as daily orientation.
A clear explanation of Psalm 5, its meaning, context, and message for believers today
Psalms Chapter 5 | KJV
1. To the chief Musician upon Nehiloth, A Psalm of David. 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 bloody 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 holy 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 faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.
Historical Context
Psalm 5 is a morning prayer by David. It reflects his dependence on God’s guidance and contrasts the path of the righteous with the fate of the wicked.
Phrase by Phrase
- Give ear to my words, O LORD: David begins with a plea for God to hear his prayer.
- Thou shalt destroy them that speak falsehood: Acknowledges God’s justice against the deceitful and unjust.
- But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: Trust in God brings joy, protection, and divine favor.
Application for Today
Believers can start their day with prayer, seeking God’s guidance and avoiding dishonest paths. Trusting God leads to joy and security in daily life.
FAQs
Q: What is the main theme of Psalm 5?
A: Prayer, guidance, and rejecting evil.
Q: Why is morning prayer important?
A: It sets the tone for the day and aligns actions with God’s will.
Q: How does God respond to prayer?
A: He hears the righteous and grants protection and guidance.
Q: What is the reward of trusting God?
A: Peace, joy, and divine favor.
Conclusion
Psalm 5 teaches believers to pray earnestly, seek guidance, and trust God to protect and guide them.
All Psalms
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 17
- 18
- 19
- 20
- 21
- 22
- 23
- 24
- 25
- 26
- 27
- 28
- 29
- 30
- 31
- 32
- 33
- 34
- 35
- 36
- 37
- 38
- 39
- 40
- 41
- 42
- 43
- 44
- 45
- 46
- 47
- 48
- 49
- 50
- 51
- 52
- 53
- 54
- 55
- 56
- 57
- 58
- 59
- 60
- 61
- 62
- 63
- 64
- 65
- 66
- 67
- 68
- 69
- 70
- 71
- 72
- 73
- 74
- 75
- 76
- 77
- 78
- 79
- 80
- 81
- 82
- 83
- 84
- 85
- 86
- 87
- 88
- 89
- 90
- 91
- 92
- 93
- 94
- 95
- 96
- 97
- 98
- 99
- 100
- 101
- 102
- 103
- 104
- 105
- 106
- 107
- 108
- 109
- 110
- 111
- 112
- 113
- 114
- 115
- 116
- 117
- 118
- 119
- 120
- 121
- 122
- 123
- 124
- 125
- 126
- 127
- 128
- 129
- 130
- 131
- 132
- 133
- 134
- 135
- 136
- 137
- 138
- 139
- 140
- 141
- 142
- 143
- 144
- 145
- 146
- 147
- 148
- 149
- 150