David oppressed with the cruelty of his enemies, and fearing greater dangers, calleth to God for succor, showing how requisite it is that God should punish the malice of his adversaries. 7 After, being assured of prosperous success, he conceiveth comfort, 12 concluding, that when God shall deliver him, others also shall be partakers of the same mercies.

To him that excelleth upon [a]Nehiloth. A Psalm of David.

Hear my words, O Lord: understand my [b]meditation.

Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my king and my God: for unto thee do I pray.

Hear my voice in the morning, O Lord: for in the morning will I direct me unto thee, and I will [c]wait.

For thou art not a God that loveth [d]wickedness, neither shall evil dwell with thee.

[e]The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: for thou hatest all them that work iniquity.

Thou shalt destroy them that speak lies: the Lord will abhor the bloody man and deceitful.

But I [f]will come into thine house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thine holy Temple.

Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness, [g]because of mine enemies: make thy way plain before my face.

For no constancy is in their mouth: within they are very corruption: their (A)throat is an open sepulcher, and they flatter with their tongue.

10 Destroy them, O God, [h]let them [i]fall from their counsels: cast them out for the multitude of their iniquities, because they have rebelled against thee.

11 And [j]let all them that trust in thee, rejoice and triumph forever, and cover thou them: and let them that love thy name, rejoice in thee.

12 For thou Lord, wilt [k]bless the righteous, and with favor [l]wilt compass him, as with a shield.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 5:1 Or, a musical instrument or tune.
  2. Psalm 5:1 That is, my vehement prayer, and secret complaint and sighings.
  3. Psalm 5:3 With patience and trust till I be heard.
  4. Psalm 5:4 Seeing that God of nature hateth wickedness, he must needs punish the wicked, and save the godly.
  5. Psalm 5:5 Which run most ragingly after their carnal affections.
  6. Psalm 5:7 In the deepest of his tentations he putteth his full confidence in God.
  7. Psalm 5:8 Because thou art just, therefore lead me out of the dangers of mine enemies.
  8. Psalm 5:10 Or, cause them to err.
  9. Psalm 5:10 Let their devices come to nought.
  10. Psalm 5:11 Thy favor toward me shall confirm the faith of all others.
  11. Psalm 5:12 Or, give good success.
  12. Psalm 5:12 So that he shall be safe from all dangers.

Psalm 5[a]

For the director of music. For pipes. A psalm of David.

Listen(A) to my words, Lord,
    consider my lament.(B)
Hear my cry for help,(C)
    my King and my God,(D)
    for to you I pray.

In the morning,(E) Lord, you hear my voice;
    in the morning I lay my requests before you
    and wait expectantly.(F)
For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness;
    with you, evil people(G) are not welcome.
The arrogant(H) cannot stand(I)
    in your presence.
You hate(J) all who do wrong;
    you destroy those who tell lies.(K)
The bloodthirsty and deceitful
    you, Lord, detest.
But I, by your great love,
    can come into your house;
in reverence(L) I bow down(M)
    toward your holy temple.(N)

Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness(O)
    because of my enemies—
    make your way straight(P) before me.
Not a word from their mouth can be trusted;
    their heart is filled with malice.
Their throat is an open grave;(Q)
    with their tongues they tell lies.(R)
10 Declare them guilty, O God!
    Let their intrigues be their downfall.
Banish them for their many sins,(S)
    for they have rebelled(T) against you.
11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
    let them ever sing for joy.(U)
Spread your protection over them,
    that those who love your name(V) may rejoice in you.(W)

12 Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous;(X)
    you surround them(Y) with your favor as with a shield.(Z)

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 5:1 In Hebrew texts 5:1-12 is numbered 5:2-13.