Psalm 5 Study Notes

Ps 5 title Some interpreters have used this psalm and its designation as A psalm of David to argue that this phrase cannot mean “composed by David” since v. 7 seems to refer to the temple (see note at vv. 6-7).

5:1-2 The word sighing (Hb hgg) is perhaps related to the word for “meditate” (Hb hgh; see note at 1:2). Some translate it as “consider my meditation,” but since the basic meaning of the word is “to murmur,” it seems better in this context to understand it as a low murmuring sound (similar to a sigh) made in a time of intense sorrow. God is also addressed as King (44:4; 68:24; 74:12; 84:3), indicating confidence in his dominion and his power to answer this prayer.

5:3 In the morning is repeated and indicates the time of the prayer (88:13). Plead my case is literally “prepare” or “set in order.” While it could mean preparing a sacrifice, there is no other indication that a sacrifice was being offered. Instead, it was more likely preparing words (Jb 32:14) in a request for vindication.

5:4-5 The term delights is the same word as in 1:2, but here it is negated. Not only does God have no desire for wickedness, it cannot even exist in his presence. The arrogant, those who practice evil, liars, and the violent (v. 6) are all included in the explanation of those who cannot stand within God’s sight. The word “stand” is the same term as in 2:2 describing those who “take their stand” against God. There is no contest between these wicked people and God; they cannot get anywhere near the Lord to attack him.

5:6-7 The combination of house and temple has led many to assume that this psalm must have been written by someone other than David since Solomon’s temple was built after David’s time. However, the Hebrew word for “temple” is not only used for Solomon’s temple, but also for the temporary temple at Shiloh (1Sm 1:9; 3:3), which existed in David’s day. God’s house is the place where God dwelt among his people (Ps 26:8).

5:8 The connection between the plea for God’s guidance and the adversaries is that the situation (i.e., attacks by enemies) calls for not only protection and rescue but also guidance in the midst of the crisis. It is also an affirmation of the intent to remain loyal to the Lord even during the time of danger.

5:9-10 Throat and tongues are metaphors for speech. Since there is nothing reliable in what they say, all of the enemies’ speech is deadly, pictured here as an open grave. A similar use of this word picture appears in Jr 5:16 where “their quiver is like an open grave,” meaning their weapons bring death. Since the enemies here were intent on death and destruction, the psalmist asked that God let their own schemes bring about their destruction (64:8; 2Sm 15:31).

5:11-12 The emphasis in these verses is on God’s protection of those who remain faithful to him. The terms take refuge in . . . shelter . . . surround, and shield convey this thought. In this context, all these words evoke military ideas. Those who trust the Lord often take refuge from their enemies in him (17:7). The word for “shelter” can describe protective gear for battle (140:7). “Surround” is used to describe enemies preparing to attack (1Sm 23:26). And this word for “shield” describes a large piece of flattened metal that was placed in front of a soldier to protect his entire body; they were sometimes called “large shields” (1Kg 10:16).