◄ Psalm 5 ►
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Give Ear to My Words For the choirmaster, to be accompanied by flutes. A Psalm of David. 1 Give ear to my words, O LORD; consider my groaning. 2Attend to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to You I pray. 3In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; at daybreak I lay my plea before You and wait in expectation. 4For You are not a God who delights in wickedness; no evil can dwell with You. 5The boastful cannot stand in Your presence; You hate all workers of iniquity. 6You destroy those who tell lies; the LORD abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit. 7But I will enter Your house by the abundance of Your loving devotion;a in reverence I will bow down toward Your holy temple. 8Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make straight Your way before me. 9For not a word they speak can be trusted; destruction lies within them. Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.b 10Declare them guilty, O God; let them fall by their own devices. Drive them out for their many transgressions, for they have rebelled against You. 11But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever shout for joy. May You shelter them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You. 12For surely You, O LORD, bless the righteous; You surround them with the shield of Your favor. Footnotes: 7 a Forms of the Hebrew chesed are translated here and in most cases throughout the Scriptures as loving devotion; the range of meaning includes love, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, and mercy, as well as loyalty to a covenant. 9 b Or flattery; cited in Romans 3:13 Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Psalm 5 Summary Give Ear to My Words Verses 1–3 – Dawn Prayer David begins the day by crying out, “Give ear to my words, O LORD… for to You I pray.” He unburdens his heart, confident that God hears and invites him to “lay my plea before You and wait in expectation.” Verses 4–6 – God’s Holiness Exposes Evil The psalmist affirms that the LORD “takes no pleasure in wickedness,” and that arrogance, lies, and bloodguilt cannot survive in His presence. God’s moral purity separates Him utterly from evil. Verse 7 – Reverent Approach Despite personal unworthiness, David enters God’s house “by the abundance of Your loving devotion.” Grace makes worship possible, and reverence (“I will bow down”) shapes the worshiper’s attitude. Verses 8–10 – Guidance and Justice Surrounded by enemies, David asks, “Lead me… make straight Your way.” He contrasts God’s truth with the enemy’s “open graves” and “tongues [that] practice deceit,” asking God to bring the deceitful down by their own schemes. Verses 11–12 – Shelter and Joy Those who “take refuge” in the LORD find rejoicing, singing, and protection. God “surrounds them with the shield of Your favor,” giving both security and gladness. Psalm 5 is a morning prayer for divine guidance and protection from wickedness. David, the Psalmist, conveys a profound understanding of the dual nature of God as a compassionate protector of the righteous and a righteous judge of the wicked. This Psalm is a heartening reminder of the security found in walking righteously before God. Authorship and Setting • “A Psalm of David” links the piece to Israel’s shepherd-king. Early morning prayer fits David’s schedule during pressure-filled days in Saul’s court, on the run, or even while ruling. • The superscription “For the choirmaster. For flutes.” indicates temple-choir use. Wooden or reed flutes unearthed at Tel Megiddo and other Iron-Age sites show such instruments were common in worship. Structure and Flow 1. Invocation and plea (vv. 1-3) 2. Declaration of God’s character (vv. 4-6) 3. Personal commitment to worship (v. 7) 4. Petition for guidance and judgment (vv. 8-10) 5. Celebration of refuge and blessing (vv. 11-12) The alternating pattern—prayer, reflection on God, renewed prayer—teaches believers to anchor requests in who God is. Key Words and Images • “Morning” (v. 3): looks forward, trusting God before circumstances unfold (cf. Psalm 143:8). • “Open graves” (v. 9): graphic picture of death-breathing speech (compare Romans 3:13, where Paul quotes this verse). • “Shield” (v. 12): typical soldier’s large body shield (Hebrew magen), pointing to encompassing protection (cf. Genesis 15:1). God’s Character • Holy: “no evil can dwell with You” (v. 4). • Just: He “destroys those who tell lies” (v. 6). • Loving: “abundance of Your loving devotion” (v. 7). • Protective: “surround them with the shield of Your favor” (v. 12). The psalm balances God’s inflexible justice against sin with His generous love toward the faithful. Human Character: The Righteous vs. the Wicked Righteous: pray early, depend on grace, seek guidance, rejoice. Wicked: boastful, deceitful, violent, self-destructive. The stark contrast echoes Psalm 1 and sets out a clear life choice. Prayer and Worship Practices • Morning prayer models disciplined devotion (Mark 1:35). • Verbal prayer (“Give ear to my words”) joined to silent sighing (“consider my sighing,” v. 1) shows God hears both spoken and unspoken cries. • Physical posture—bowing toward the sanctuary (v. 7)—reminds believers that body language can honor God. Messianic Foreshadowing Jesus fulfills the righteous pattern: He rose early to pray (Mark 1:35), spoke only truth (John 8:45-46), and finds His ultimate refuge in the Father (Psalm 16:10). Paul’s citation of v. 9 in Romans 3:13 places all people under sin, preparing the way for the gospel. Archaeological and Historical Background • Iron-Age city gates show courts where kings heard petitions; David’s “cry” mirrors real legal appeals. • Temple orientation: Solomon’s later temple stood on Mount Moriah facing east, matching the psalm’s morning emphasis. • Inscriptions from surrounding cultures talk of gods tolerating deception; Psalm 5 stands apart by insisting the true God will not. Connections to Other Scriptures Old Testament – Psalm 1: path of the righteous vs. wicked. – Psalm 24:3-4: clean hands and pure heart required to stand before God. – Proverbs 6:16-19: list of sins God hates parallels vv. 4-6. New Testament – Matthew 6:9-13: Lord’s Prayer opens with worship then petitions—same order as Psalm 5. – 1 Peter 3:12: “the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous” echoes the shield of favor. Practical Application for Believers Today • Begin each day by meeting with God before meeting the world. • Let God’s holiness shape moral choices; do not excuse small compromises. • Trust God to expose and deal with deception; avoid personal revenge. • Rejoice under God’s protective favor, even when circumstances remain uncertain. Connections to Additional Scriptures Morning Prayer Psalm 63:1 - O God, You are my God; earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You. God's Holiness Habakkuk 1:13 - Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; You cannot tolerate wrongdoing. Trust in God Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Joy in God Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Teaching Points David's Earnest Prayer David begins with a plea for God to hear his words and consider his groaning. Give ear to my words, O LORD; consider my groaning (Psalm 5:1). This highlights the importance of sincerity and earnestness in prayer. Morning Devotion David emphasizes the significance of seeking God in the morning. In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; at daybreak I lay my plea before You and wait in expectation (Psalm 5:3). This sets a tone of dependence and expectation for the day. God's Holiness and Justice David acknowledges God's hatred for wickedness and His love for righteousness. For You are not a God who delights in wickedness; no evil can dwell with You (Psalm 5:4). This underscores the need for personal holiness and alignment with God's character. Protection and Guidance David seeks God's protection and guidance amidst his enemies. Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make straight Your way before me (Psalm 5:8). This reflects trust in God's sovereign guidance. Joy and Refuge in God The psalm concludes with a declaration of joy and refuge for those who trust in God. But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever shout for joy (Psalm 5:11). This highlights the joy and security found in God's presence. Practical Applications Begin each day with prayer, laying your concerns and plans before God, and waiting expectantly for His guidance. Cultivate a heart that aligns with God's holiness, avoiding wickedness and seeking righteousness in all areas of life. Trust in God's protection and guidance, especially when facing opposition or challenges. Find joy and refuge in God's presence, knowing that He is a shield for those who trust in Him. People 1. The LORD (Yahweh) The primary person addressed in the psalm. The psalmist appeals to the LORD for guidance and protection. The Hebrew root for LORD is "YHWH," which is the sacred name of God in the Hebrew Bible. 2. The Psalmist (David) The author of the psalm, traditionally identified as King David. He is the one praying and seeking God's intervention against his enemies. 3. Enemies These are the wicked and deceitful people whom David describes as bloodthirsty and deceitful. They are not named individually but are characterized by their actions and opposition to the psalmist. 4. The Righteous Those who are faithful to God and whom God blesses and protects. They are contrasted with the wicked and are described as those who take refuge in the LORD. Places 1. The House of the Lord This refers to the place of worship and presence of God. In Psalm 5:7, the psalmist expresses a desire to enter God's house, which symbolizes a place of reverence and communion with God. The Hebrew term "בֵּית" (bayith) is used, meaning "house" or "dwelling." 2. The Holy Temple Mentioned in Psalm 5:7, the "holy temple" represents a sacred space where the psalmist seeks to worship and encounter God's holiness. The Hebrew word "הֵיכָל" (heikal) is used, meaning "temple" or "palace." Events 1. David's Plea for Attention David begins by asking God to listen to his words and consider his groaning. He seeks God's attentive ear to his cries for help. (Psalm 5:1-2) 2. Morning Prayer David expresses his practice of praying in the morning, laying his requests before God and waiting expectantly. The Hebrew word "שָׁחַר" (shachar) emphasizes the early morning time of prayer. (Psalm 5:3) 3. God's Hatred of Wickedness David acknowledges that God does not delight in wickedness and that evil cannot dwell with Him. The Hebrew word "רָע" (ra) is used for evil, highlighting its opposition to God's nature. (Psalm 5:4) 4. Destruction of Liars and Bloodthirsty Men David states that God destroys those who speak falsehood and abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful. The Hebrew "שָׁחַת" (shachat) for destruction indicates a complete ruin. (Psalm 5:6) 5. Entering God's House David expresses his intention to enter God's house through His abundant loving devotion, bowing in reverence. The Hebrew "חֶסֶד" (chesed) refers to God's steadfast love. (Psalm 5:7) 6. Guidance in Righteousness David asks God to lead him in righteousness because of his enemies, making God's way straight before him. The Hebrew "יָשַׁר" (yashar) means to make straight or right. (Psalm 5:8) 7. Condemnation of the Wicked David describes the wicked as having no truth in their mouths, with hearts full of destruction. Their throats are open graves, and they flatter with their tongues. (Psalm 5:9) 8. Call for Justice David calls on God to declare the wicked guilty and let them fall by their own schemes. He asks for their expulsion due to their many transgressions. (Psalm 5:10) 9. Joy and Protection for the Righteous David concludes by expressing that all who take refuge in God will rejoice and sing for joy. He asks for God's protection over them, emphasizing the joy of those who love God's name. (Psalm 5:11) 10. Blessing and Favor David affirms that God blesses the righteous and surrounds them with favor as with a shield. The Hebrew "צִנָּה" (tsinnah) refers to a large shield, symbolizing comprehensive protection. (Psalm 5:12) Lessons from Psalm 5 1. Start Your Day with Prayer Psalm 5:3 says, "In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; at daybreak I lay my plea before You and wait in expectation." Starting your day with prayer sets the tone for everything that follows. It’s like tuning your heart to God’s frequency, ensuring that your actions and thoughts align with His will. Just as you wouldn’t skip breakfast, don’t skip this spiritual nourishment. 2. Seek God’s Guidance Verse 8 of Psalm 5 states, "Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make Your way straight before me." Life is full of decisions, and seeking God’s guidance ensures you’re on the right path. When you ask God to lead you, you’re inviting His wisdom into your daily choices, which can save you from unnecessary detours. 3. Trust in God’s Justice Psalm 5:4 reminds us, "For You are not a God who delights in wickedness; no evil can dwell with You." Trusting in God’s justice means believing that He will handle the wrongs in the world. This trust frees you from the burden of seeking revenge or holding onto bitterness, allowing you to focus on living righteously. 4. Embrace God’s Protection Verse 11 offers comfort: "But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever shout for joy. May You shelter them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You." God’s protection is like a fortress around you. Embracing this truth allows you to live boldly, knowing that you are safeguarded by His mighty hand. 5. Cultivate a Heart of Worship Psalm 5:7 says, "But I, by Your abundant loving devotion, will enter Your house; in reverence I will bow down toward Your holy temple." Worship is more than singing; it’s a lifestyle. Cultivating a heart of worship means acknowledging God’s presence in every aspect of your life, leading to a deeper connection with Him. 6. Be Honest with God In verse 9, the psalmist describes the deceitfulness of the wicked: "For there is no truth in their mouths; their inmost being is destruction." In contrast, being honest with God about your struggles and shortcomings invites His healing and transformation. Transparency with God is the first step toward genuine spiritual growth. 7. Rely on God’s Strength Psalm 5:12 assures us, "For surely You, O LORD, bless the righteous; You surround them with the shield of Your favor." Relying on God’s strength means acknowledging that you can’t do it all on your own. His favor acts as a shield, empowering you to face challenges with confidence and grace. 8. Live with Integrity Verse 6 highlights God’s disdain for deceit: "You destroy those who tell lies; the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man." Living with integrity means aligning your actions with God’s truth. It’s about being consistent in your faith, which builds trust and credibility in your relationships. 9. Find Joy in God’s Presence Psalm 5:11 encourages us to "rejoice" and "shout for joy" in God’s presence. Finding joy in God’s presence transforms mundane moments into opportunities for gratitude and celebration. It’s about recognizing His hand in every blessing and challenge, which fills your heart with peace and contentment. 10. Anchor Your Hope in God Finally, Psalm 5 teaches us to anchor our hope in God. When life feels uncertain, remember that God is unchanging and His promises are steadfast. This hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation rooted in His faithfulness. As you anchor your hope in Him, you’ll find stability and assurance in every season. Topics 1. Prayer for Guidance and Protection Psalm 5 begins with a plea for God to hear the psalmist's words and consider his meditation: "Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my groaning" (Psalm 5:1). The Hebrew word for "groaning" (הָגִיג, hagig) implies a deep, internal sigh or meditation, indicating a heartfelt prayer for divine attention and guidance. 2. God's Holiness and Justice The psalmist acknowledges God's holiness and His aversion to wickedness: "For You are not a God who delights in wickedness; no evil can dwell with You" (Psalm 5:4). The Hebrew word for "wickedness" (רֶשַׁע, resha) emphasizes moral wrongness, highlighting God's just nature and His separation from sin. 3. The Fate of the Wicked The psalm describes the fate of those who practice deceit and violence: "You destroy those who tell lies; the LORD abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit" (Psalm 5:6). The Hebrew root for "destroy" (אָבַד, abad) conveys a sense of complete ruin, underscoring the ultimate judgment awaiting the wicked. 4. Confidence in God's Righteousness The psalmist expresses confidence in God's righteousness and his own ability to enter God's house: "But I, by Your abundant loving devotion, will enter Your house" (Psalm 5:7). The Hebrew term for "loving devotion" (חֶסֶד, chesed) refers to God's steadfast love and covenantal faithfulness, which provides assurance to the faithful. 5. Prayer for Divine Guidance A request for God to lead the psalmist in righteousness is made: "Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies" (Psalm 5:8). The Hebrew word for "lead" (נָחָה, nachah) suggests guidance and direction, emphasizing the psalmist's reliance on God amidst adversaries. 6. Contrast Between the Righteous and the Wicked The psalm contrasts the deceitful nature of the wicked with the joy and protection of the righteous: "But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever shout for joy" (Psalm 5:11). The Hebrew root for "rejoice" (שָׂמַח, samach) indicates a deep, exuberant joy found in God's protection. 7. Blessing for the Righteous The psalm concludes with a blessing for the righteous, affirming God's favor: "For You bless the righteous, O LORD; You surround them with favor as with a shield" (Psalm 5:12). The Hebrew word for "shield" (צִנָּה, tsinnah) symbolizes God's protective presence, offering security and blessing to those who are upright. Themes 1. Prayer and Supplication Psalm 5 begins with a plea for God to hear the psalmist's words and consider his groaning: "Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my groaning" (Psalm 5:1). The Hebrew word for "groaning" (הָגִיג, hagig) suggests a deep, internal meditation or sighing, indicating the earnestness of the prayer. 2. God’s Holiness and Justice The psalm emphasizes God's holiness and His intolerance of wickedness: "For You are not a God who delights in wickedness; no evil can dwell with You" (Psalm 5:4). The Hebrew word for "wickedness" (רֶשַׁע, resha) underscores moral wrongness, highlighting God's pure nature. 3. Divine Guidance and Protection The psalmist seeks God's guidance and protection, asking to be led in righteousness: "Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make Your way straight before me" (Psalm 5:8). The Hebrew root for "lead" (נָחָה, nachah) implies guidance with care and purpose. 4. The Fate of the Wicked The psalm describes the ultimate downfall of the wicked: "Declare them guilty, O God; let them fall by their own devices" (Psalm 5:10). The Hebrew word for "devices" (מוֹעֵצָה, moetsah) refers to their schemes or plans, which will lead to their ruin. 5. Joy and Refuge for the Righteous The psalm concludes with a promise of joy and protection for those who trust in God: "But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever shout for joy" (Psalm 5:11). The Hebrew root for "rejoice" (שָׂמַח, samach) conveys a sense of gladness and exultation in God's protection. 6. God’s Favor and Blessing The psalmist acknowledges God's favor and blessing upon the righteous: "For You bless the righteous, O LORD; You surround them with favor as with a shield" (Psalm 5:12). The Hebrew word for "favor" (רָצוֹן, ratson) indicates acceptance and goodwill, portraying God's protective and benevolent nature. Prayer Points Pray for a sincere and earnest heart in approaching God in prayer. Ask God to help you prioritize morning devotion and seek His guidance daily. Pray for strength to pursue holiness and avoid wickedness in your life. Seek God's protection and guidance in the face of challenges and opposition. Thank God for the joy and refuge found in His presence, and pray for a deeper trust in Him. Answering Tough Questions 1. How can the claim in Psalm 5:5 that God “hates all evildoers” be reconciled with passages elsewhere asserting God’s universal love? 2. Why does Psalm 5:10 call for God to punish the wicked, seemingly contradicting later teachings on forgiveness? 3. Has any historical or archaeological evidence been found to confirm the specific threats David describes in Psalm 5? 4. How do we reconcile David’s confidence in divine intervention (Psalm 5:3, 8) with known historical conflicts where God’s protection was not apparent? 5. Why does the text portray God’s holiness (Psalm 5:4) as incompatible with sin if elsewhere God dwells among imperfect people? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does David set an example for daily prayer and meditation? 2. How does Psalm 5 reflect the righteousness of God? 3. How does David's portrayal of God's judgement on the wicked influence your understanding of divine justice? 4. Why does David emphasize morning prayers in Psalm 5? How does this shape your view of daily devotion? 5. In what ways does David entrust his life to God in this Psalm? 6. What characteristics of the wicked does David highlight? How does this challenge your perception of wickedness? 7. How does Psalm 5 reassure believers of God's protection and guidance? 8. David seeks guidance to make his path straight in the presence of his enemies. How can we apply this in our lives when facing adversity? 9. How does David express hope and joy in the midst of pleas for protection from the wicked? 10. In what ways do you seek God’s guidance and protection in your everyday life, like David in Psalm 5? 11. How do you perceive God’s judgement towards the wicked in your understanding of justice? 12. What strategies can you develop to ensure that you do not fall into the traps of deceit and wickedness as described in Psalm 5? 13. How can you emulate David’s trust in God in your own life? 14. What does it mean to you to be surrounded with God's favor as with a shield? 15. How can we apply the principles of Psalm 5 in our relationships with others? 16. How does the distinction between the righteous and wicked in Psalm 5 resonate with you? 17. How does Psalm 5 inspire you to seek righteousness in your daily life? 18. In today's society, where do you see examples of the wickedness David describes? 19. How can Psalm 5 guide your responses to injustice and deceit you encounter in today's world? 20. How can the prayer and trust in God demonstrated in Psalm 5 serve as a model for facing challenges in your life? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions