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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 5:1-6

The title of this psalm has nothing in it peculiar but that it is said to be upon Nehiloth, a word nowhere else used. It is conjectured (and it is but a conjecture) that is signifies wind?instruments, with which this psalm was sung, as Neginoth was supposed to signify the stringed?instruments. In Ps. 5:1-6 David had an eye to God, I. As a prayer-hearing God; such he has always been ever since men began to call upon the name of the Lord, and yet is still as ready to hear prayer as ever. Observe... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 5:4

For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness ,.... Sin, ungodliness; it is contrary to his nature, who is holy, just, and good; and to his will revealed in his law, which is the same with his nature; and sin is a transgression of it. God is so far from taking pleasure in sin, that it is the abominable thing which his righteous soul hates; though this hinders not his voluntary permission of sin, or his decree of it; which he has willed, though he does not delight in it, in order... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 5:4

Neither shall evil dwell with thee - As thou art holy, so thou hast pleasure only in holiness; and as to evil men, they shall never enter into thy glory; רע יגרך לא lo yegurecha ra , "the evil man shall not even sojourn with thee." read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 5:4

Verse 4 Here David makes the malice and wickedness of his enemies an argument to enforce his prayer for the divine favor towards him. The language is indeed abrupt, as the saints in prayer will often stammer; but this stammering is more acceptable to God than all the figures of rhetoric, be they ever so fine and glittering. Besides, the great object which David has in view, is to show, that since the cruelty and treachery of his enemies had reached their utmost height, it was impossible but... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 5:1-7

Prayer for deliverance from wicked men. The psalmist prays to be delivered from, not open persecution, but the scoff and scourge of the tongue at all goodness and service to God. When irreligion prevails, it is difficult to resist it and stand firm in our allegiance to God. I. THE CRY FOR HELP AGAINST THE PREVAILING IMPIETY . 1 . He prays God as the Highest to hearken to his meditations , his words , and his cry . All true prayer begins in thought or... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 5:1-12

The superscription, "To the Chief Musician upon Nehiloth," is thought to mean, either, continuously, "To the Chief Musician, for an accompaniment of wind instruments;" or, discontinuously, "To the Chief Musician: a Psalm upon inheritances.'' In the latter case, the respective "inheritances" of the wicked (verse 6) and the righteous (verses 11, 12) are supposed to be meant. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 5:1-12

A morning prayer: for sanctuary service: in evil times. This psalm seems to have been written for, or handed to the leader of a special choir, that he might adapt music for its use in sanctuary worship; not necessarily that of the temple—for its composition was probably anterior to the erection of that building—but for use in the services of that temporary structure which preceded it, and which, though but temporary, and even fragile in a material sense, was nevertheless in a high and holy... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 5:1-12

A morning prayer. Every new day the priests began anew the service of God in the temple. The altar was set in order, the lamb was made ready, and as soon as the sign of day was given the morning sacrifice was offered (Le Psalms 6:5 ; Numbers 28:4 ). In this there was a lesson for all times. Every new day calls for a fresh consecration of ourselves to God. "When first thine eyes unveil, give thy soul leave to do the like" (Vaughan). In this morning prayer we find I. FAITH IN ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 5:4

For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness . Thou wilt listen to the prayer of a righteous man ( Psalms 4:1 ), since thou dost not delight in wickedness, but in goodness. Neither shall evil dwell with thee. Light has no fellowship with darkness. Evil men can obtain no support from thee, who art All-holy. They will scarcely venture to ask thy aid. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 5:4-5

God's hatred of sin. "Thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness," etc. It needs courage to preach the severe side of Bible truth. Time was when preaching could not be too severe. Men loved to hear the thunder and see the fire of Sinai. Now it cannot be too flattering and soothing. A view of Divine love is current, not to say fashionable, which tends to reduce it to an easy-going apathetic tolerance, taking little account of the difference between moral good and evil. We need... read more

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