Bible Commentaries
Psalms 5

Verses 1-12

The ordering of prayer is very necessary, Genesis 22:9 . Our Lord’s prayer should be our model. Often our words need to be supplemented by our meditations; that is, we must make room for the “groanings which cannot be uttered,” but which the Spirit understands, Romans 8:26-27 . Distinct from either of these is the urgent ejaculation for aid which is here described as the voice of my cry, Psalms 5:2 . As soon as we awake, let us speak to God. We must keep watch for the answer, Psalms 5:3 , r.v. How many answers we miss, because we get tired of waiting for the return of our ships!

Note the seven expressions for the ungodly, Psalms 5:4-7 . As for me -the chief of sinners, but see 1 Corinthians 15:10 . The Jew in prayer turned toward the Temple, Psalms 5:7 ; Daniel 6:10 . Here the Tabernacle, which preceded it, stood for the same, 1 Samuel 1:9 . We look to the Most Holy Place, whither Jesus has entered, Hebrews 10:19 .

The ungodly are specially characterized by sins of speech, Psalms 5:9 . Wicked men are like sepulchers, which exhale pestilential odors. Their doom is inevitable. Notice the combination of trust, love, and joy, Psalms 5:11 .