Psalm 5: A Godly King's Pattern of Prayer

Psalm 5:1-3  To the chief Musician upon Nehiloth, A Psalm of David. Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. 2  Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. 3  My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. 

King David wrote this psalm and it was to be accompanied with a flute like instrument.

David begins with a plea to God for a hearing, having full confidence that the LORD will indeed be attentive to his prayer.

David did not beat around the bush when praying to God. 

He asked the LORD to hear his prayer and to consider all the things that weighed upon his heart at that point in time.

David had political pressures to contend with and many difficult family issues that arose. 

Yet, more than anything as we read David's psalms,  we sense that he desired to be in the presence of God.

The King wanted to worship Him, to hear the scriptures taught, and to maintain a heaven focused life, even in the midst of various trials and troubles.

Thus, King David prayed to the King of heaven, acknowledging his standing as a subject of Christ's eternal kingdom.

David gave us clear insight into the importance of believers spending time in prayer.

It was such a high priority for him, that he prayed to Jehovah early in the morning. 

David knew that God is not bound by time and that He never fails to hear the prayers of His sheep.

Thus, the king teaches us to look up when we are troubled, to turn our gaze to heaven, looking to God, our mighty helper and redeemer.

Psalm 5:4-6  For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee. 5  The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity. 6  Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man. 

David's prayer begins with the king stating what he knows is true about God.

God finds no pleasure in the wicked thoughts, words and actions of sinners. 

He is angry with the wicked every day (See Palm 7:11).

God is holy, righteous and sinless but all men are born unholy, unrighteous and sinful.

There is no evil in Holy God. 

All of His being is good, righteous, holy and free from the pollution of sin.

Therefore, no sinner will be admitted to heaven and the wrath of God abides upon each rebellious soul that refuses to hear and heed the gospel of Christ.

John 3:18  He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

John 3:35-36  The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. 36  He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. 

Jesus spoke to a respected religious leader named Nicodemus about sin, hell, salvation and the provision of new birth by trusting Christ as Lord and Savior.

Christ laid out the essential truth that those who believe on Him are no longer under the condemnation of God (See Romans 8:1-11).

However, those who do not believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and all who reject the gospel of Christ, are condemned by their unbelief. 

All unbelievers will die and immediately find themselves suffering the flames of Hell for eternity (See Luke 16:19-31).

All who put their full trust in Jesus Christ for salvation receive eternal life. 

All who refuse to believe have God's condemnation resting upon them, waiting for the moment of death to justly send them to Hell.

King David knew this truth about God's holiness, righteousness and justice.

This is why God will condemn sinners to suffer in Hell for eternity.

Yet, we must never lose sight of the fact that God is not willing that any sinner perish and go to Hell (See 2 Peter 3:9). 

He wants all sinners to hear the gospel, repent of their sins and He will save them (See 1 Timothy 2:1-5). 

He wants all men to be saved and this is why Jesus gave us the Great Commission! (See Matthew 28:18-20).

Psalm 5:7-8  But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple. 8  Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.  

King David knew the LORD. He studied His Word, spent much time praying to God and worshiping Him.

He was a ready witness telling others about the mighty works of God so that they too, might believe and be saved.

Here, David expressed a resolute heart to come into the house of God to be cleansed and to have his spirit refreshed. 

He knew by experience that God is merciful beyond measure, and the king maintained a right fear and reverence for God.

David's chief concern was living for the glory of God and this should be our daily focus as well.

He asked the LORD to lead him each day in the paths of God's righteousness, because David was surrounded by those who sought to do evil to him, or who were not followers of God.

He needed clarity in how to respond aright when dealing with sinful men.

Thus, David's prayer was for God to lead him and to make the way that God wanted him to follow clear.

Certainly, these would be good things for us to pray about and make requests of God.

Psalm 5:9-10  For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue. 10  Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee. 

Wicked sinners and evil men are faithless not faithful.

God sees their hearts and what He sees is appalling and we must take heed, because our flesh (or as Paul says, our old man) is not removed when we are born again.

David used very graphic terms to tell us how God sees our heart.

It is like an open grave where the decaying body is seen, full of uncleanness and corruption.

David prays for God to judge the wicked schemers that plotted against him because, ultimately, they have rebelled against God's rule!

Psalm 5:11-12  But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. 12  For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield. 

King David ended this Psalm by contrasting the fate of the wicked with the future of those who trust God.

All who repent of sin and trust Jesus Christ for salvation, should shout out for joy. 

God has saved us, given us a new heart and new spirit as He promised to do (See Ezekiel (See Ezekiel 11:19-20; 18:31-32; 36:25-27).

Now Christ is our eternal High Priest, ever interceding for us when we fail. He pleads His blood for us and we receive cleansing and forgiveness from God.

He defends us from Satan, the evil accuser of the brethren. 

He defends us from our enemies, even though many times we do not know that He has done this for us.

Thus, we love His beautiful name and our hearts are overflowing with wonder that God could love His children as He does.

David concludes be reminding us about what is true of God.

He blesses those who obey His Word. He extends His all sufficient grace to protect us like a shield.

May Jesus Christ be praised.

May God be honored by our response to His Word.

May David's tender heart and spirit be that which we seek from God.

Bob