6-7. Contrast true with vain confidence.
light of thy countenance upon us--figure for favor ([Nu 6:26]; [Psa 44:3]; ).
8. both lay me down, &c.--or, will lie down at once, and sleep in sure confidence and quiet repose ([Psa 3:5]).
Psalm 5
Psa 5:1-12. Upon Nehiloth--flutes or wind instruments. The writer begs to be heard, on the ground of God's regard for His covenant-people and true worshippers as contrasted with His holy hatred to the wicked. He prays for divine guidance, on account of his watchful, malignant, and deceitful enemies; and for their destruction as being also God's enemies. At the same time he expresses his confidence that God will extend aid to His people
1. meditation--moanings of that half-uttered form to which deep feeling gives rise--groanings, as in [Ro 8:26], .
2. Hearken--incline the ear ([Psa 10:17]; compare [Psa 61:2])--give close attention.
my cry--that is, for help ([Psa 61:2]; [Jr 8:19]).
my King--thus by covenant relation interested in my cause.
3. direct--literally, "set in order," as the showbread was placed or set in order ([Ex 40:23]).
4. For, &c.--God only regards sincere worshippers.
evil--or, "the evil man."
dwell--lodge, remain under protection.
5. foolish--vainglorious and insolent.
iniquity--especially such as denotes a negation, or defect, that is, of moral principle.
6. leasing--a lie.
the bloody ... man--literally, "man of blood"--murderer.
7. But--as in [Psa 2:6], literally, "and."
house--([1Ch 9:23]), the tabernacle.
temple--literally, "palace," applied to God's residence, the Holy of Holies ([1Sa 3:3]; [2Sa 22:7]); the inner part of the tabernacle.
toward--not in; the high priest alone was allowed to enter.
8. enemies--literally, "watchers" ([Psa 27:11]), hence special need of guidance.
in thy righteousness--an attribute implying faithfulness in promises as well as threatenings.
make thy way straight--that is, make the way of providence plain.
9. The wicked are not reliable because by nature they are full of wickedness, or literally, "wickednesses," of every kind ([Ro 8:7]).
sepulchre--a dwelling-place of corruption, emitting moral putridness.
flatter--or, "make smooth."
their tongue--speaks deceitfully.
10. Destroy--or, "condemn" them to destruction as guilty.
11. defendest--(compare Margin).
love thy name--Thy manifested perfections ([Psa 9:10]).
12. with favour--or, "acceptance," alluding to the favor shown to an acceptable offering and worshipper ([Le 7:18]; ).
shield--(compare [Psa 3:3]).
Psalm 6
Psa 6:1-10. On Neginoth (See on Psa 4:1, title) upon Sheminith--the eighth--an instrument for the eighth key; or, more probably, the bass, as it is contrasted with Alamoth (the treble, Psa 46:1) in 1Ch 15:20,21. In deep affliction the Psalmist appeals to God's mercy for relief from chastisement, which otherwise must destroy him, and thus disable him for God's service. Sure of a gracious answer, he triumphantly rebukes his foes
1. He owns his ill desert in begging a relief from chastisement.
2. I am weak--as a culled plant ([Is 24:4]).
my bones--the very frame.
are vexed--([Psa 2:5])--shaken with fear.
3. how long?--shall this be so (compare [Psa 79:5]).
but--or, "and."
thou--The sentence is incomplete as expressive of strong emotion.
4. Return--that is, to my relief; or, "turn," as now having His face averted.
for thy mercies' sake--to illustrate Thy mercy.
5. (Compare [Psa 115:17], ; [Is 38:18]). There is no incredulity as to a future state. The contrast is between this scene of life, and the grave or Sheol, the unseen world of the dead.