Psalms

Chapter 5

Give Ear to My Words

This morning prayer asks the LORD to hear before the day unfolds, but its confidence rests not in mood or ritual alone but in God's moral character. David contrasts the God who rejects evil with the worshiper who enters by steadfast love, asks to be led in righteousness amid enemies, and closes with joy for all who take refuge under the LORD's favoring shield.

Psalm 5 develops the Psalter's early pattern of lament by making divine holiness central to the prayer for guidance and protection. It shows that the righteous do not merely want escape from enemies; they want a straight path before the God who hates falsehood and shelters those who love his name.

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Psalms 5

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vv. 1-12

Give Ear to My Words

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F¹or the choirmaster, to be accompanied by flutes. A Psalm of David. ²Attend to the sound of my cry, ³In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice;

⁴For You are not a God who delights in wickedness; ⁵The boastful cannot stand in Your presence; ⁶You destroy those who tell lies;

⁷But I will enter Your house ⁸Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness

⁹For not a word they speak can be trusted; ¹⁰Declare them guilty, O God; ¹¹But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; ¹²For surely You, O LORD, bless the righteous;

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01vv. 1-12Give Ear to My WordsDavid brings his words, sighing, and cry before the LORD at daybreak, addressing him as King and God. From there the psalm unfolds the contrast between the wicked, who cannot remain before God's holiness, and the faithful, who enter his house by covenant love, ask for a straight path, and rejoice under his blessing.