Psalms 5

Psalms 5:1-12

This morning prayer (Psalm 5:3) shows strong trust in the Lord's help and protection. The psalmist asks for God's response and waits for it (Psalm 5:1–3).

He describes the plans of the wicked in detail but stays focused on God. The psalmist knows the wicked cannot be with God (Psalm 5:4–6, 9; see 1:5).

He keeps returning to the Lord (Psalm 5:7–8, 10; see 5:1–3), and then he prays for the godly community (5:10–12; see 3:8).

Psalms 5:1-2

The phrase give ear to my words appears in several prayers as a call for God's attention during difficult times (Psalms 39:12; 84:8; 143:1; compare Psalms 17:1; 54:2; 130:2). The needy ask their God, “Are you listening?”

Psalms 5:3

• The psalmist starts and ends each day with prayer, looking for new signs of God's faithfulness and goodness (Psalm 143:8).

• wait in expectation: The psalmist does not demand God's grace but hopes for it (see Micah 7:7; Habakkuk 2:1).

Psalms 5:5

• The boastful: Mockers (see study note on Psalm 1:1), the wicked (Psalm 73:3; 75:4), and the arrogant (10:2) use their words to distort the truth and challenge the faith of the godly.

• The Lord allows only the godly into his presence (see Psalm 1:5). His holiness and justice do not tolerate oppression or evil actions.

• You hate: The Lord rejects proud sinners (see also Psalm 11:5).

Psalms 5:7

• God promises his loving devotion (his covenant goodness and faithfulness) to his people (see Psalm 25:6; 69:16; Lamentations 3:32).

• Your house: The righteous desire to enter God's presence with awe and wonder (see Hebrews 12:28).

Psalms 5:8

• God guides those who are obedient, submissive, and patient as they wait for him to lead, provide, and protect them (Psalm 27:11; 43:3; 143:10). He does not guide those who expect God simply to approve their own decisions.

• Following the right path of wisdom leads to the Lord (Psalms 47:11; 61:2; 139:24).

Psalms 5:9-10

The psalmist again describes the terrible acts of the wicked, who cannot stand in God’s presence.

Psalms 5:10

• The psalmist prays for the justice and retribution that God promised against the wicked (Psalm 1:6). The wicked are those who have rebelled against the Lord.

• The wicked set traps to harm (Psalm 38:12) or trick others (140:4–5).

Psalms 5:11

• A blessing rests on all who take refuge in God (see Psalm 18:30).

• Joy and praise go well together. The godly rejoice when they see evidence of God’s rescue. They sing joyful praises as a new song (see Psalm 33:3).

  When the Lord brings peace to the world, defeats evil, and rewards good people, they will have lasting joy (Psalms 9:2–4; 53:6; 90:14–15; 118:24).

• The children of God, who find refuge in him, love his name. To love his name is to love his very character.

Psalms 5:12

• The psalmist cares not only for himself but for all the godly people.

• A shield, here an image of God’s protection, deflects spears and arrows from the one holding it.

Aquifer Open Study Notes © 2026 Mission Mutual, an adaptation of the Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.