> [[psalm-04|← Previous]] | [[psalm-00|TOC]] | [[psalm-06|Next →]] --- # Psalm 5 ## Prayer for Divine Help 1 For the leader; with wind instruments. A psalm of David. ^psalm-05-1 ### I 2 Give ear to my words, O LORD; ^psalm-05-2 understand my sighing. 3 Attend to the sound of my cry, ^psalm-05-3 my king and my God! For to you I will pray, LORD; 4 in the morning you will hear my voice; ^psalm-05-4 in the morning I will plead before you and wait. ### II 5 You are not a god who delights in evil; ^psalm-05-5 no wicked person finds refuge with you; 6 the arrogant cannot stand before your eyes. ^psalm-05-6 You hate all who do evil; 7 you destroy those who speak falsely. ^psalm-05-7 A bloody and fraudulent man the LORD abhors. ### III 8 But I, through the abundance of your mercy, ^psalm-05-8 will enter into your house. I will bow down toward your holy sanctuary out of fear of you. 9 LORD, guide me in your justice because of my foes; ^psalm-05-9 make straight your way before me. ### IV 10 For there is no sincerity in their mouth; ^psalm-05-10 their heart is corrupt. Their throat is an open grave; on their tongue are subtle lies. 11 Declare them guilty, God; ^psalm-05-11 make them fall by their own devices. Drive them out for their many sins; for they have rebelled against you. ### V 12 Then all who trust in you will be glad ^psalm-05-12 and forever shout for joy. You will protect them and those will rejoice in you who love your name. 13 For you, LORD, bless the just one; ^psalm-05-13 you surround him with favor like a shield. \* (Psalm 5) A lament contrasting the security of the house of God (([[psalm-05|Ps 5]]:8] – [9], [12] – [13]) with the danger of the company of evildoers (([[psalm-05|Ps 5]]:5] – [7], [10] – [11]). The psalmist therefore prays that God will hear (([[psalm-05|Ps 5]]:2] – [4]) and grant the protection and joy of the Temple. \* (5:8) Mercy: used to translate the Hebrew word, *hesed*. This term speaks to a relationship between persons. It is manifested in concrete actions to persons with some need or desire. The one who offers *hesed* has the ability to respond to that need of the other person. Other possible ways to translate *hesed* include “steadfast love” and “loving kindness.” \* (5:10) Their throat: their speech brings harm to their hearers (cf. [Jer 5:16]). The verse mentions four parts of the body, each a source of evil to the innocent. a. (5:2) [Ps 86:6]; [130:1] – [2]. b. (5:4) [Wis 16:28]. c. (5:7) [Ps 101:7]; [Wis 14:9]; [Heb 1:13]. d. (5:8) [Ps 138:2]; [Jon 2:5]. e. (5:9) ([[psalm-23|Ps 23]]:3]; [Prv 4:11]; [Is 26:7]. f. (5:10) ([[romans-03|Rom 3]]:13]. g. (5:11) [Ps 141:10]. h. (5:12) [Ps 64:11]. --- _New American Bible, revised edition_ (2010, 1991, 1986, 1970) Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. > [[psalm-04|← Previous]] | [[psalm-00|TOC]] | [[psalm-06|Next →]]