Psa 5 | MHM | STEP | David’s Morning Prayer This psalm is connected to the word Nehiloth , which is thought to mean wind instruments, probably showing how the psalm was sung. In these verses, David teaches us about prayer and about God’s character. He reminds us that God listens to prayers but also hates sin. David shows us how to come to God with the right attitude, to pray sincerely, and to avoid evil. v. 1 : David begins by asking, Give ear to my words, O Lord . He believes that God listens to prayer. Even though God is in heaven, He hears when people call to Him. Sometimes people around us do not hear or help us, but God always can. David also calls God my King and my God (Psalm 5:2 ). This shows that David has chosen God to rule his life and trusts Him as his protector.

‏ Psalms 5

David’s Morning Prayer

This psalm is connected to the word Nehiloth, which is thought to mean wind instruments, probably showing how the psalm was sung. In these verses, David teaches us about prayer and about God’s character. He reminds us that God listens to prayers but also hates sin. David shows us how to come to God with the right attitude, to pray sincerely, and to avoid evil.

v. 1: David begins by asking, Give ear to my words, O Lord . He believes that God listens to prayer. Even though God is in heaven, He hears when people call to Him. Sometimes people around us do not hear or help us, but God always can. David also calls God my King and my God (Psalm 5:2 ^a). This shows that David has chosen God to rule his life and trusts Him as his protector.

v. 2: David asks, Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King and my God: for unto thee will I pray . He teaches us to pray with feeling and trust. David believes God will pay attention to his situation and answer with kindness. Our prayers should come from our hearts, not just from our lips. When we cry out to God honestly, He will notice and care.

v. 3: David promises, My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up . He shows us the importance of morning prayer. Starting the day with prayer is a good habit. We are fresh and ready to focus on God before life gets busy. David also says he will keep his mind steady, aiming his prayer to God, just like a person aims an arrow at a target. After praying, he will wait and watch for God’s answer, just as someone looks to see where an arrow lands (Psalm 85:8; Habakkuk 2:1 ^b).

v. 4: David remembers that God is holy. He says, For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee . God never enjoys sin. Even if bad people seem to succeed, it does not mean God is pleased with them. God is pure and hates evil, even when people hide it under religion or good works.

v. 5: David says, The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity . People who continue to do wrong are called foolish by God. They cannot be close to Him or be accepted by Him. Sin is foolishness, and those who love sin are separated from God. God hates sin and those who choose to make themselves His enemies.

v. 6: David continues, Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the Lord will abhor the bloody and deceitful man . God especially hates liars and those who hurt others. Lying and cruelty are opposite to God’s truth and mercy. People who practice these things are like the devil and will be judged by God (Revelation 21:8; Psalm 22:15 ^c).

When we read and pray these verses (Psalm 5:1-6 ^d), let us be serious about prayer and trust that God will hear us. At the same time, let us reject sin and remember that God is holy. We should look forward to the time when Jesus returns and God will punish all evil and reward those who love Him.

Delight in Public Worship; Happiness of the Righteous

In these verses, David talks about three groups: himself, his enemies, and all of God’s people. For each group, he says a prayer. David describes his own love for worship, the evil character of his enemies, and the joy and safety of the righteous. He teaches us to trust God, to pray for guidance, and to find happiness in God’s protection.

v. 7: David says, 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 . He promises to stay close to God and worship Him. David knows that God’s holiness and justice do not scare faithful people away. Instead, they invite us to come to God with respect. David wants to worship God, not just alone, but with others in God’s house. He comes with a humble heart, depending on God’s mercy, not on his own goodness. David worships with deep respect, knowing that God is great and holy (Hebrews 12:28 ^e).

v. 8: David prays, Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face . He asks God to guide him and help him do what is right, especially because his enemies are watching and waiting for him to make a mistake. David wants to live carefully so that no one can accuse him of doing wrong. He trusts God to show him the right path, just as God helped him before (1 Samuel 18:14-15 ^f).

v. 9: David describes his enemies: 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 . His enemies lie and cannot be trusted. They pretend to be friendly but only want to harm him. Their words are smooth, but their hearts are full of evil. David says they are like an open grave, ready to harm others, just as Paul later wrote about the evil of all people (Romans 3:13; Titus 3:3 ^g).

v. 10: David prays against his enemies: 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 . He asks God to judge them for their many sins and for rebelling against God, not just against David. He knows that people who fight against God will be ruined, often by their own evil plans (Psalm 7:15; Psalm 9:15 ^h). David’s prayer is not for revenge, but because he knows God is just and will punish those who hurt His people (2 Thessalonians 1:6 ⁱ).

v. 11: David prays for all of God’s people: 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 . He asks God to make His people happy and joyful because He protects them. People who trust in God and love His name can rejoice, no matter what happens, because God is with them, like the cloud and fire that went with Israel in the wilderness.

v. 12: David is sure that God will bless and protect the righteous: For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield (Psalm 5:12 ^j). God’s blessing is like a crown of honour and a strong shield that keeps His people safe on every side. If we trust God and live under His protection, we have nothing to fear and every reason to be glad.

When we read and pray these verses (Psalm 5:7-12 ^k), let us put ourselves under God’s guidance and care. We can trust His mercy, find joy in worship, and look forward to God’s victory over evil and the happiness of all His people.