Psalm 5:1, Psalm 5:3 NIV

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 5:1

Give ear to my words, O Lord ,.... Meaning not his words in common conversation, but in prayer; the words which came out of his mouth, and were audibly expressed by him at the throne of grace, and design vocal prayer; and so stand distinguished from the meditation of his heart, sacred ejaculations, or mental prayer; see Psalm 54:2 ; and words in prayer to God ought to be few, at least not repeated, Ecclesiastes 5:2 ; and these should be a man's own words, as were the psalmist's; not what... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 5:1

Give ear to my words - This is properly a morning hymn, as the preceding was an evening hymn. We have seen from the conclusion of the last Psalm that David was very happy, and lay down and slept in the peace and love of his God. When he opens his eyes on the following morning, he not only remembers but feels the happiness of which he spoke; and with his first recollections he meditates on the goodness and mercy of God, and the glorious state of salvation into which he had been brought. He... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 5:1

Verse 1 I presume not positively to determine whether David, in this psalm, bewails the wrongs which he suffered from his enemies at some particular time, or whether he complains generally of the various persecutions with which, for a long time, he was harassed under Saul. Some of the Jewish commentators apply the psalm even to Absalom; because, by the bloody and deceitful man, they think Doeg and Ahithophel are pointed out. To me, however, it appears more probable, that when David, after the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 5:1

Give ear to my words , O Lord (comp. Psalms 66:1 ; Psalms 86:6 ). Cries of this kind are common with the psalmists, even when they do not express the purport of their prayer. Consider my meditation; or, my silent musing (Kay); comp. Psalms 39:3 , where the same word is used. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 5:1-3

Prayer. "Give ear," etc. There are prayers, some of the most fervent and spiritual, which refuse words, and need not language ( Romans 8:26 ). But God, who hath given speech as the glory of our nature and the principal instrument of human progress, will have us consecrate it to this highest use-converse with our Maker, the Father of our spirits. I. PRAYER IS PERSONAL CONVERSE WITH GOD . "My voice shalt thou hear" ( Psalms 5:3 ). On this turns the whole reality,... 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

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

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 5:1

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 5:1

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 5:1

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 5:1

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 5:1-3

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 5:1-7

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 5:1-12

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 5:1-12

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 5:1-12

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