Psalms 5 · Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
PSALM 5 Psa 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 ( Psa 10:17 ; compare Psa 61:2 )--give close attention. my cry-- that is, for help ( Psa 61:2 ; Jr 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 Psa 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" ( Psa 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 ( Psa 9:10 ).