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    Psalms 5 (KJV)

    Read Psalms chapter 5 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    Psalms 5

    Deep Verse Commentaries in This Chapter

    Psalm 5:3

    "My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morn…"

    Psalm 5:11

    "But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let …"

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    Devotional

    Psalm 5:3 — Meaning & Devotional

    Morning Prayer

    Psalms 5 Summary

    Psalm 5 is a morning prayer of David asking God to hear his cry and lead him in righteousness. David contrasts the wicked—boastful, deceitful, and bloodthirsty—with those who take refuge in God. He asks God to make His way plain and to protect the righteous with divine favor like a shield.

    The psalm establishes a pattern of morning devotion, presenting prayers to God 'in the morning' and watching expectantly. David's confidence rests not in his own goodness but in God's abundant mercy, which grants access to His holy temple.

    Key Themes

    Morning prayerGod's hatred of evilRefuge in GodRighteous vs wickedGod's favor as shield

    Key Verses in Psalms 5

    "My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up."

    — Psalms 5:3

    This verse establishes the discipline and expectancy of morning prayer—offering petitions and then watching for God's response.

    Life Application

    Starting the day with intentional prayer, as David models, sets the trajectory for everything that follows. Directing our prayers upward 'in the morning' and then watching expectantly trains us to recognize God's answers throughout the day.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does it mean that God 'hates' the wicked?

    God's hatred of wickedness is not petty anger but holy opposition to evil. He is incompatible with sin. This strong language emphasizes God's moral perfection and His commitment to justice, while other Scriptures affirm His desire for the wicked to repent.

    Psalm 5 Commentary & Reflection

    Lament
    Earnest, hopeful

    Best read for: Morning prayer, seeking guidance

    Overview of Psalm 5: A Prayer for Guidance

    Psalm 5 is David's morning prayer asking God to hear his words and consider his meditation. He contrasts the character of God — who hates wickedness and abhors the deceitful — with the faithless who surround him. David asks God to lead him in righteousness and make His way straight before him, trusting that God will bless the righteous and surround them with favor like a shield.

    Key Themes

    Prayer
    Guidance
    Righteousness
    God's Favor

    Key Verses to Remember

    “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.”
    — Psalm 5:3 (KJV)
    “For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.”
    — Psalm 5:12 (KJV)

    Reflection

    David began his day by directing his prayer to God and looking up. Morning prayer isn't about a formula — it's about setting your compass toward God before the world sets it for you.

    Historical Context

    This morning prayer psalm uses temple imagery—David pictures himself arriving at the sanctuary at dawn to present his case before God like a worshiper laying out a sacrifice on the altar. The Hebrew word translated 'direct' (arakah) is the same word used for arranging wood on the altar of burnt offering, suggesting David carefully prepared his prayers as an offering.

    How to Apply Psalm 5 Today

    Transform your morning routine into a prayer offering. Before the day's demands begin, lay out your concerns before God as deliberately as a priest arranging a sacrifice. Write down three specific requests, present them to God, and then watch expectantly throughout the day for His answers.

    A Prayer from Psalm 5

    Lord, give ear to my words and consider my meditation. Hear the voice of my cry, my King and my God, for to You I pray. In the morning I direct my prayer to You and look up with expectation. Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness. Make Your way straight before my face. Amen.

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