Psalm 5: Wrath for Rebels, Love For Those Seeking Refuge in Yahweh: For The Morning
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(1) English Translation
5:1For the chief musician. Upon flutes. [fn: LXX, ‘for the inheritance.’] A psalm of David.
Give ear to my words, Yahweh. Consider my murmurings.
5:2Pay attention to the sound of my cry for help, my king and my God, for I will pray to you.
5:3In the morning you will hear my voice and I will set out my prayer before you and I will keep watch.
5:4For you are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness. Evil will not dwell with you.
5:5The arrogant cannot stand before you. You hate all who work iniquity.
5:6You will destroy every person who speaks falsehood. Yahweh abhors bloodthirsty and deceitful people.
5:7But I by the greatness of your steadfast love will come into your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in reverence of you.
5:8Yahweh, lead me in your righteousness because of my enemies. Make your way straight before me.
5:9For there is no faithfulness in their mouths. Their insides are a chasm. Their throats are an open grave, they flatter with their tongues.
5:10Hold them guilty, O God, let them fall by their own schemes. Cast them out in their many transgressions, for they have rebelled against you.
5:11So all those who seek refuge in you will rejoice. They will shout for joy forever, and you will defend them. And those who love your name will rejoice in you.
(2) Exegetical Notes
Summary: The Psalm appears to be appropriate for the morning (v. 3), but the occasion is the threat of evil and blood thirsty people (vv. 4-6, 9-10). The psalmist ask Yahweh to hold them accountable and punish them for their evil. This request is based on God's holy character, that he cannot tolerate evil. Instead, the psalmist will honour Yahweh by his observance of temple worship and his righteous way of life (vv. 7-8). Unlike the wicked, those who seek refuge in Yahweh will rejoice forever (v. 11).