Commentary Critical And Explanatory On The Whole Bible

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. 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).