Psalm 5

From: Messages of God's Love: 1930

Psalm 5

“NEHILOTH," in the heading of the fifth Psalm, is thought by some to refer to a wind instrument of music, but its meaning is not certain.

Psalm 5 shows the very earnest wish of the godly remnant of the Jews in the coming day, to have their ways according to God, pleasing to Him.

The true knowledge of God always leads the believer to correct his ways. There are many examples of this in the Word of God, and many precepts such as are found in 1 Peter 1:13, 25¹³Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; (1 Peter 1:13)
²⁵But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. (1 Peter 1:25).

"In the morning," verse 3, these poor tried saints will not wait until the day is over to present their prayers to God. The habit of praying (and reading the Word of God) before the day's cares and duties begin is a very good one for the children of God of all ages, and at all seasons. And the fervent (or operative) supplication of the righteous man, has much power (James 5:16,¹⁶Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16) New Translation).

God will hear the prayers of those who ask to be led in His righteousness (verse 8), and He will bless the righteous, and surround them with favor as with a shield (verse 12),

He is not a God who has pleasure in wickedness (verse 4). Insolent fools shall not stand before His eyes (verse 5), and He will destroy them that speak lies (verse 6).

It is God's loving kindness that has made it possible for poor sinners to enter His house (verse 7), as John 3:16,¹⁶For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) and other passages tell so plainly; not on the principle of works which have been done in righteousness which we had done, but according to His own mercy has God saved those that believe (Titus 3:4, 8⁴But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, (Titus 3:4)
⁸This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. (Titus 3:8) New Translation).

The verse 9 gives the truth about the enemies of God and of His people; it seems strange to a Christian, however, to read such words as are in verse 10, but these are not Christians for whom these words are written.

The Christian is never taught to pray that the wicked shall be punished. The blessed Lord gave us an example that we who belong to Him should follow in His words when He was crucified,

"Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34³⁴Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. (Luke 23:34). And the first martyr Stephen, followed Him when he cried with a loud voice, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." Acts 7:60⁶⁰And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:60).

But when the day has come, for which the Psalms were written, the judgments, long withheld, will be about to fall. Then will the Lord in righteousness, judge and make war (Revelation 19:11¹¹And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. (Revelation 19:11)).

Verses 11 and 12 are, blessed be God, forever true of those who trust in the living and true God.

"And all that trust in Thee shall rejoice: forever shall they shout joyously, and Thou wilt protect them; and they that love Thy name shall exult in Thee. For Thou, Jehovah, wilt bless the righteous man; with favor wilt Thou surround him as with a shield." (New Translation).

Click here to show subject links in the text for more information.