Ps 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.

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

      2. Hearken--incline the ear (Ps 10:17; compare Ps 61:2) --give close attention.
      my cry--that is, for help (Ps 61:2; Jer 8:19).
      my King--thus by covenant relation interested in my cause.

      3. direct--literally, "set in order," as the showbread was placed or set in order (Ex 40:23).

      4. For, &c.--God only regards sincere worshippers.
      evil--or, "the evil man."
      dwell--lodge, remain under protection.

      5. foolish--vainglorious and insolent.
      iniquity--especially such as denotes a negation, or defect, that is, of moral principle.

      6. leasing--a lie.
      the bloody . . . man--literally, "man of blood"--murderer.

      7. But--as in Ps 2:6, literally, "and."
      house-- (1Ch 9:23), the tabernacle.
      temple--literally, "palace," applied to God's residence, the Holy of Holies (1Sa 3:3; 2Sa 22:7); the inner part of the tabernacle.
      toward--not in; the high priest alone was allowed to enter.

      8. enemies--literally, "watchers" (Ps 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.

      9. The wicked are not reliable because by nature they are full of wickedness, or literally, "wickednesses," of every kind (Ro 8:7).
      sepulchre--a dwelling-place of corruption, emitting moral putridness.
      flatter--or, "make smooth."
      their tongue--speaks deceitfully.

      10. Destroy--or, "condemn" them to destruction as guilty.

      11. defendest--(compare Margin).
      love thy name--Thy manifested perfections (Ps 9:10).

      12. with favour--or, "acceptance," alluding to the favor shown to an acceptable offering and worshipper (Le 7:18; 19:7).
      shield--(compare Ps 3:3).