Psalms 5

God is a prayer-hearing God. Such he has always been, and he is still as ready to hear prayer as ever. The most encouraging principle of prayer, and the most powerful plea in prayer, is, to look upon him as our King and our God. David also prays to a sin-hating God. sin is folly, and sinners are the greatest of all fools; fools of their own making. Wicked people hate God; justly are they hated of him, and this will be their endless misery and ruin. Let us learn the importance of truth and sincerity, in all the affairs of life. Liars and murderers resemble the devil, and are his children, therefore it may well be expected that God should abhor them. These were the characters of David's enemies; and such as these are still the enemies of Christ and his people.

David prayed often alone, yet was very constant in attendance on public worship. The mercy of God should ever be the foundation both of our hope and of our joy, in every thing wherein we have to do with him. Let us learn to pray, not for ourselves only, but for others; grace be with all that love Christ in sincerity. The Divine blessing comes down upon us through Jesus Christ, the righteous or just One, as of old it did upon Israel through David, whom God protected, and placed upon the throne. Thou, O Christ, art the righteous Saviour, thou art the King of Israel, thou art the Fountain of blessing to all believers; thy favour is the defence and protection of thy church.

meditation--moanings of that half-uttered form to which deep feeling gives rise--groanings, as in Ro 8:26, 27.

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.

Hearken--incline the ear (Ps 10:17; compare Ps 61:2)--give close attention. my cry--that is, for help (Ps 61:2; Jer 8:19). my King--thus by covenant relation interested in my cause.

direct--literally, "set in order," as the showbread was placed or set in order (Ex 40:23).

For, &c.--God only regards sincere worshippers. evil--or, "the evil man." dwell--lodge, remain under protection.

foolish--vainglorious and insolent. iniquity--especially such as denotes a negation, or defect, that is, of moral principle.

leasing--a lie. the bloody ... man--literally, "man of blood"--murderer.

But--as in Ps 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.

enemies--literally, "watchers" (Ps 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.

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.

Destroy--or, "condemn" them to destruction as guilty.

defendest--(compare Margin). love thy name--Thy manifested perfections (Ps 9:10).

with favour--or, "acceptance," alluding to the favor shown to an acceptable offering and worshipper (Le 7:18; 19:7). shield--(compare Ps 3:3). PSALM 6