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.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). |