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Psalms 5

Psalms 5 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Psalm 5 is a morning prayer that contrasts God's holiness with human deceit. David asks the LORD to hear his cry, lead him in righteousness, and deal with enemies who speak falsely. The psalm also expresses confidence that those who take refuge in God will rejoice under His protection.

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What happens in Psalms 5?

David begins by asking God to listen to his words and cries, and he brings his request early in the day with patient expectation. He then praises God's holiness and moral purity, making clear that evil, lies, and violence do not belong in His presence. In contrast, David approaches God through mercy and reverence, asking for guidance because of hostile and dishonest opponents. The psalm ends with a plea for judgment on the wicked and a joyful hope that those who trust in the LORD will be sheltered and blessed.

Psalm 5 follows another psalm of David and continues the pattern of honest prayer under pressure. It stands among the opening prayers in the Psalter, where personal distress, trust in God, and the contrast between the righteous and the wicked are stated plainly. The chapter also reflects worship language tied to the temple and public praise.

Themes to notice

  • Morning prayerDavid starts the day by bringing his concern to God with patience and expectation.
  • God's holinessThe psalm stresses that the LORD does not approve of evil, lies, or violence.
  • Refuge and favorThose who trust God are pictured as rejoicing under His shelter and blessing.

Questions for Psalms 5

  • What does David's morning prayer teach about how to bring worries to God?
  • How does Psalm 5 describe the difference between God's character and the behavior of the wicked?
  • What does it mean to take refuge in the LORD in this psalm?

Read the full text of Psalms 5 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Psalms 5

Give Ear to My Words

For the choirmaster, to be accompanied by flutes. A Psalm of David.

1Give ear to my words, O LORD;

consider my groaning.

2Attend to the sound of my cry,

my King and my God,

for to You I pray.

3In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice;

at daybreak I lay my plea before You

and wait in expectation.

4For You are not a God who delights in wickedness;

no evil can dwell with You.

5The boastful cannot stand in Your presence;

You hate all workers of iniquity.

6You destroy those who tell lies;

the LORD abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit.

7But I will enter Your house

by the abundance of Your loving devotion;

in reverence I will bow down

toward Your holy temple.

8Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness

because of my enemies;

make straight Your way before me.

9For not a word they speak can be trusted;

destruction lies within them.

Their throats are open graves;

their tongues practice deceit.

10Declare them guilty, O God;

let them fall by their own devices.

Drive them out for their many transgressions,

for they have rebelled against You.

11But let all who take refuge in You rejoice;

let them ever shout for joy.

May You shelter them,

that those who love Your name may rejoice in You.

12For surely You, O LORD, bless the righteous;

You surround them with the shield of Your favor.

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