Psalm 5
Although this Psalm does deal with David’s enemies, it is not in the context of the Absalom situation. We all have enemies. But, as David concludes in the Psalm, we also must remind ourselves to have overwhelming confidence in God. Our God has the last word. Evil will not win.
Psalms 5:1-12
Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with you the wicked cannot dwell. The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong. You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful men the Lord abhors. But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple. Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies — make straight your way before me. Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with destruction. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongue they speak deceit. Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you. But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
This too is a “morning psalm” and it is set in the context of preparing for court. Legal proceedings were typically held at the gate of the city (see Ruth 4:1-6) in the morning hours. In verse 3, David says “I lay my requests before you…” The idea is the Psalmist is laying his requests before the Lord in the morning just as one would lay out one’s case before the judges at the gate in the morning.
David knew that God is the True Judge and who hates evil and loves what is right. His law is perfect. In him there is no shadow. We, too, have the same ability to “lay our requests” before the Lord. It is much better than going to someone else for “advice” or to merely gripe and gossip about those who are troubling us. God will hear us and offer only the best solution to those who earnestly seek him in righteousness. I love that David had this kind of relationship with God. We should strive to take all such “cases” before the Judge of heaven and earth as well.
PRAY
Heavenly Father, Judge of all mankind, we lay our requests before you today. Let us earnestly seek You and true justice. Help us stand against those who oppose us.
