Psalms 5
BSB1 Give ear to my words, O LORD; consider my groaning. 2 Attend to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to You I pray. 3 In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; at daybreak I lay my plea before You and wait in expectation. 4 For You are not a God who delights in wickedness; no evil can dwell with You. 5 The boastful cannot stand in Your presence; You hate all workers of iniquity. 6 You destroy those who tell lies; the LORD abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit. 7 But I will enter Your house by the abundance of Your loving devotion; in reverence I will bow down toward Your holy temple. 8 Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make straight Your way before me. 9 For not a word they speak can be trusted; destruction lies within them. Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. 10 Declare them guilty, O God; let them fall by their own devices. Drive them out for their many transgressions, for they have rebelled against You. 11 But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever shout for joy. May You shelter them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You. 12 For surely You, O LORD, bless the righteous; You surround them with the shield of Your favor.
Study Notes — Psalms 5
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Psalms 5
- Themes from Psalms 5
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Psalms 5
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with David's expression of trust in God, stating that he will pray to Him and wait for His answer. He then contrasts the wicked, who will not stand before God, with the righteous, who will be led by God's righteousness. David asks God to lead him in His righteousness and to make his way straight, and he expresses his confidence in God's deliverance from his enemies. The chapter concludes with David's statement that he will rejoice in God's salvation and sing for joy in His presence. Key verses include Psalms 5:3, where David says, 'In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly,' and Psalms 5:11-12, where David says, 'But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.'
Context for the Chapter
Psalms 5 is part of the first book of Psalms, which includes Psalms 1-41. The chapter is a psalm of David, who wrote it as a prayer to God in the midst of adversity. The chapter is part of the larger biblical narrative, which tells the story of God's relationship with His people and His plan of salvation. The chapter points forward to the coming of Christ, who would fulfill God's plan of salvation and provide access to God for all believers.
Heart Application
The chapter applies to our lives by demonstrating the importance of prayer and trust in God's presence. Believers should follow David's example by starting each day with prayer and devotion to God, seeking His guidance and protection in the midst of adversity. We should also trust in God's character and faith in His deliverance, knowing that He is our refuge and salvation.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Psalms 5 is a chapter about prayer and trust in God's presence. David expresses his trust in God and his desire to pray to Him, and he contrasts the wicked with the righteous. The chapter demonstrates the importance of prayer and trust in God's character, and it points forward to the coming of Christ, who would fulfill God's plan of salvation. As seen in Psalms 5:3, David says, 'In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly,' which is a model for believers to follow.
Voices from the Church
“The morning is the best time for prayer, for then the mind is fresh and the spirit is most vigorous. It is a good thing to begin the day with God.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The righteous shall be led by the righteousness of God, which is the rule of their life and the foundation of their hope.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to Prayer (Psalms 5:1-3) — David introduces the chapter by expressing his trust in God and his desire to pray to Him. He says, 'Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray' (Psalms 5:1-2).
- The Contrast between the Wicked and the Righteous (Psalms 5:4-6) — The chapter contrasts the wicked, who will not stand before God, with the righteous, who will be led by God's righteousness. David says, 'You are not a God who is pleased with wickedness; with you, evil people are not welcome' (Psalms 5:4).
- The Confidence of the Believer (Psalms 5:7-12) — David expresses his confidence in God's deliverance from his enemies, demonstrating the trust that believers should have in God's power and love. He says, 'But I, by your great love, can come into your house; in reverence I bow down toward your holy temple' (Psalms 5:7).
- The Conclusion (Psalms 5:11-12) — The chapter concludes with David's statement that he will rejoice in God's salvation and sing for joy in His presence. He says, 'But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you' (Psalms 5:11-12).
- Application to Life — The chapter applies to our lives by demonstrating the importance of prayer and trust in God's presence. Believers should follow David's example by starting each day with prayer and devotion to God, seeking His guidance and protection in the midst of adversity.
Core Doctrines
- The Importance of Prayer
- The chapter teaches the importance of prayer in the life of a believer, demonstrating that it is a vital part of our relationship with God. As seen in Psalms 5:3, David says, 'In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly,' which is a model for believers to follow.
- The Character of God
- The chapter teaches the character of God, highlighting His righteousness and justice. David says, 'You are not a God who is pleased with wickedness; with you, evil people are not welcome' (Psalms 5:4).
- The Salvation of God
- The chapter teaches the salvation of God, highlighting His deliverance of His people. David says, 'But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you' (Psalms 5:11-12).
- The Trust of the Believer
- The chapter teaches the trust of the believer, demonstrating the confidence that we should have in God's power and love. David says, 'But I, by your great love, can come into your house; in reverence I bow down toward your holy temple' (Psalms 5:7).
Lessons from Psalms 5
- The Importance of Prayer — The chapter teaches the importance of prayer in the life of a believer, demonstrating that it is a vital part of our relationship with God.
- The Character of God — The chapter teaches the character of God, highlighting His righteousness and justice.
- The Salvation of God — The chapter teaches the salvation of God, highlighting His deliverance of His people.
- The Trust of the Believer — The chapter teaches the trust of the believer, demonstrating the confidence that we should have in God's power and love.
- The Application to Life — The chapter applies to our lives by demonstrating the importance of prayer and trust in God's presence.
Themes from Psalms 5
- Prayer and Worship — The chapter emphasizes the importance of prayer and worship in the life of a believer, demonstrating that it is a vital part of our relationship with God.
- The Character of God — The chapter highlights the character of God, emphasizing His righteousness and justice.
- The Salvation of God — The chapter teaches the salvation of God, highlighting His deliverance of His people.
- The Trust of the Believer — The chapter demonstrates the trust of the believer, showing the confidence that we should have in God's power and love.
- The Application to Life — The chapter applies to our lives by demonstrating the importance of prayer and trust in God's presence.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the importance of prayer in the life of a believer, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
- How does the chapter contrast the wicked with the righteous, and what are the consequences of wickedness?
- What is the confidence of the believer, and how can we demonstrate this confidence in our own lives?
- How does the chapter apply to our lives, and what are some practical ways that we can follow David's example?
- What is the significance of the chapter's conclusion, and how can we rejoice in God's salvation and sing for joy in His presence?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to Prayer (Psalms 5:1-3)
| 5:1 | David introduces the chapter by expressing his trust in God and his desire to pray to Him. He says, 'Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray' (Psalms 5:1-2). |
| 5:2 | David says, 'Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray' (Psalms 5:2). |
| 5:3 | David says, 'In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly' (Psalms 5:3). |
2. The Contrast between the Wicked and the Righteous (Psalms 5:4-6)
| 5:4 | The chapter contrasts the wicked, who will not stand before God, with the righteous, who will be led by God's righteousness. David says, 'You are not a God who is pleased with wickedness; with you, evil people are not welcome' (Psalms 5:4). |
| 5:5 | David says, 'The arrogant cannot stand in your presence. You hate all who do wrong' (Psalms 5:5). |
| 5:6 | David says, 'You destroy those who tell lies. The Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man' (Psalms 5:6). |
3. The Confidence of the Believer (Psalms 5:7-12)
| 5:7 | David expresses his confidence in God's deliverance from his enemies, demonstrating the trust that believers should have in God's power and love. He says, 'But I, by your great love, can come into your house; in reverence I bow down toward your holy temple' (Psalms 5:7). |
| 5:8 | David says, 'Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies—make your way straight before me' (Psalms 5:8). |
| 5:9 | David says, 'Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with malice. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongues they tell lies' (Psalms 5:9). |
| 5:10 | David says, 'Declare them guilty, O God; let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you' (Psalms 5:10). |
| 5:11 | David says, 'But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you' (Psalms 5:11). |
| 5:12 | David says, 'Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield' (Psalms 5:12). |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Psalms 5?
The main theme of Psalms 5 is prayer and trust in God's presence, as seen in Psalms 5:3, where David says, 'In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly'
How does the chapter contrast the wicked with the righteous?
The chapter contrasts the wicked, who will not stand before God, with the righteous, who will be led by God's righteousness, as seen in Psalms 5:4-6
What is the confidence of the believer in this chapter?
The confidence of the believer in this chapter is demonstrated by David's trust in God's deliverance from his enemies, as seen in Psalms 5:7-12
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 5:3 → Luke 18:1-8 | The parable of the persistent widow teaches the importance of persistent prayer, as seen in Psalms 5:3, where David says, 'In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly' |
| 2 | Psalms 5:4 → Habakkuk 1:13 | The prophet Habakkuk says, 'Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing' (Habakkuk 1:13), which is similar to Psalms 5:4, where David says, 'You are not a God who is pleased with wickedness; with you, evil people are not welcome' |
| 3 | Psalms 5:7 → Hebrews 10:19-22 | The author of Hebrews says, 'Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body' (Hebrews 10:19-20), which is similar to Psalms 5:7, where David says, 'But I, by your great love, can come into your house; in reverence I bow down toward your holy temple' |
| 4 | Psalms 5:11 → Romans 5:1-5 | The apostle Paul says, 'Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand' (Romans 5:1-2), which is similar to Psalms 5:11, where David says, 'But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you' |
| 5 | Psalms 5:12 → Proverbs 2:7 | The author of Proverbs says, 'He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless' (Proverbs 2:7), which is similar to Psalms 5:12, where David says, 'Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield' |
| 6 | Psalms 5:1 → Psalms 138:1 | The psalmist says, 'I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders' (Psalms 138:1), which is similar to Psalms 5:1, where David says, 'Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray' |
| 7 | Psalms 5:3 → Mark 1:35 | The Gospel of Mark says, 'Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed' (Mark 1:35), which is similar to Psalms 5:3, where David says, 'In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly' |
| 8 | Psalms 5:7 → Ephesians 3:12 | The apostle Paul says, 'In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence' (Ephesians 3:12), which is similar to Psalms 5:7, where David says, 'But I, by your great love, can come into your house; in reverence I bow down toward your holy temple' |
| 9 | Psalms 5:11 → Isaiah 25:4 | The prophet Isaiah says, 'You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat' (Isaiah 25:4), which is similar to Psalms 5:11, where David says, 'But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you' |
| 10 | Psalms 5:12 → Psalms 32:10 | The psalmist says, 'The Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him' (Psalms 32:10), which is similar to Psalms 5:12, where David says, 'Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield' |
Sermons on Psalms 5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Cost of Worship - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | The sermon transcript is a collection of fragmented and disjointed sentences that lack coherence and a clear message. It includes random phrases about murder, rape, and other unrel |
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The Morning Watch - Part 1 by Oswald J. Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of the morning watch, which is a dedicated time of studying the Word of God and engaging in prayer. The speaker emphasizes that |
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A Source of Joy That Can Not Be Overcome by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the sudden unraveling of things that the Bible predicts will come upon the world. He mentions the possibility of a peace agreement in the Midd |
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The Morning Watch - Part 2 by Oswald J. Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of spending time in both reading the Word of God and praying. He encourages listeners to start their day by immersing themselv |
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The Power of God by Paul Washer | In this sermon, Brother Charles emphasizes the importance of being violent in our faith and seeking after God with fervor. He encourages listeners to prioritize their pursuit of ho |
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The Prayer of Jabez by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker acknowledges the presence of evil in the world and the struggles that people face in trying to be good. They mention that the world is currently being o |
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Cristo Murió Por Nosotros (Spanish) - Christ Died for Us by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of accepting Jesus Christ as the ultimate treasure in life. He uses the analogy of an artist who offers his four children to |
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The Greatest Treasure - Part 1 by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the true gospel of Jesus Christ. He criticizes the current state of the gospel, which has been reduced to a few |
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The Greatest Treasure - Part 2 by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and preaching the true gospel of Jesus Christ. He criticizes the current state of the gospel, which has been |
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Motivating Factors in Service by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the two motivating factors that influence our service to God: the fear of the Lord and the love of Christ. He encourages listeners to examine |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 5
In his commentary on Psalms 5, Matthew Henry notes that the psalm is a prayer of David, in which he expresses his trust in God and his desire to pray to Him. Henry highlights the importance of prayer in the life of a believer, demonstrating that it is a vital part of our relationship with God. He also notes the contrast between the wicked and the righteous, highlighting the consequences of wickedness and the blessings of righteousness. Henry applies the chapter to the life of the believer, demonstrating the confidence that we should have in God's power and love. He concludes by noting the significance of the chapter's conclusion, where David says, 'But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you' (Psalms 5:11-12). Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Prayer
David begins the chapter by expressing his trust in God and his desire to pray to Him. This highlights the importance of prayer in the life of a believer, demonstrating that it is a vital part of our relationship with God.
The Contrast between the Wicked and the Righteous
The chapter contrasts the wicked, who will not stand before God, with the righteous, who will be led by God's righteousness. This highlights the importance of living a righteous life and demonstrates the consequences of wickedness.
The Confidence of the Believer
David expresses his confidence in God's deliverance from his enemies, demonstrating the trust that believers should have in God's power and love.






