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A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] at sacred-texts.com


Psalms Chapter 5

Psalms 5:1

psa 5:1

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. (Psa 5:1-12)

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

Psalms 5:2

psa 5:2

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

my cry--that is, for help (Psa 61:2; Jer 8:19).

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

Psalms 5:3

psa 5:3

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

Psalms 5:4

psa 5:4

For, &c.--God only regards sincere worshippers.

evil--or, "the evil man."

dwell--lodge, remain under protection.

Psalms 5:5

psa 5:5

foolish--vainglorious and insolent.

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

Psalms 5:6

psa 5:6

leasing--a lie.

the bloody . . . man--literally, "man of blood"--murderer.

Psalms 5:7

psa 5:7

But--as in Psa 2:6, literally, "and."

house-- (Ch1 9:23), the tabernacle.

temple--literally, "palace," applied to God's residence, the Holy of Holies (Sa1 3:3; Sa2 22:7); the inner part of the tabernacle.

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

Psalms 5:8

psa 5:8

enemies--literally, "watchers" (Psa 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.

Psalms 5:9

psa 5:9

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

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

flatter--or, "make smooth."

their tongue--speaks deceitfully.

Psalms 5:10

psa 5:10

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

Psalms 5:11

psa 5:11

defendest--(compare Margin).

love thy name--Thy manifested perfections (Psa 9:10).

Psalms 5:12

psa 5:12

with favour--or, "acceptance," alluding to the favor shown to an acceptable offering and worshipper (Lev 7:18; Lev 19:7).

shield--(compare Psa 3:3).


Next: Psalms Chapter 6