Verse 1

Psalm 5:1-12. Upon Nehiloth - flutes or wind instruments. The writer begs 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.

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

Verse 2

Hearken — incline the ear (Psalm 10:17; compare Psalm 61:2) - give close attention.

my cry — that is, for help (Psalm 61:2; Jeremiah 8:19).

my King — thus by covenant relation interested in my cause.

Verse 3

direct — literally, “set in order,” as the showbread was placed or set in order (Exodus 40:23).

Verse 4

For, etc. — God only regards sincere worshippers.

evil — or, “the evil man.”

dwell — lodge, remain under protection.

Verse 5

foolish — vainglorious and insolent.

iniquity — especially such as denotes a negation, or defect, that is, of moral principle.

Verse 6

leasing — a lie.

the bloody … man — literally, “man of blood” - murderer.

Verse 7

But — as in Psalm 2:6, literally, “and.”

house — (1 Chronicles 9:23), the tabernacle.

temple — literally, “palace,” applied to God‘s residence, the Holy of Holies (1 Samuel 3:3; 2 Samuel 22:7); the inner part of the tabernacle.

toward — not in; the high priest alone was allowed to enter.

Verse 8

enemies — literally, “watchers” (Psalm 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.

Verse 9

The wicked are not reliable because by nature they are full of wickedness, or literally, “wickednesses,” of every kind (Romans 8:7).

sepulchre — a dwelling-place of corruption, emitting moral putridness.

flatter — or, “make smooth.”

their tongue — speaks deceitfully.

Verse 10

Destroy — or, “condemn” them to destruction as guilty.

Verse 11

defendest — (compare Margin).

love thy name — Thy manifested perfections (Psalm 9:10).

Verse 12

with favour — or, “acceptance,” alluding to the favor shown to an acceptable offering and worshipper (Leviticus 7:18; Leviticus 19:7).

shield — (compare Psalm 3:3).