Keraia
Psalm 5

Psalm 5:2

Give Ear to My Words · Psalm 5:1–12
Read Psalm 5

Translations

Modern
Attend to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to You I pray.
Traditional
Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.
Literal
Be attentive to the voice of my cry, O my King and my God, for to You I pray.
Latin
Intende voci orationis meæ, rex meus et Deus meus.

Original

Hebrew
English
Attend to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to You I pray.

Notes

Psalms 5:1–2

The phrase give ear to my words appears in several prayers as a call for God's attention during difficult times (Psalms 39:12; 84:8; 143:1; compare Psalms 17:1; 54:2; 130:2). The needy ask their God, “Are you listening?”

Psalms 5:1–12

This morning prayer (Psalm 5:3) shows strong trust in the Lord's help and protection. The psalmist asks for God's response and waits for it (Psalm 5:1–3).

He describes the plans of the wicked in detail but stays focused on God. The psalmist knows the wicked cannot be with God (Psalm 5:4–6, 9; see 1:5).

He keeps returning to the Lord (Psalm 5:7–8, 10; see 5:1–3), and then he prays for the godly community (5:10–12; see 3:8).

Psalms 3:1–7:17

This group of psalms moves from an orderly world to a troubled one. Psalms 1–2 describe stability. The righteous person is blessed, and the Lord’s anointed king rules with authority.

In the psalms that follow, the tone changes. The Lord’s anointed cries out for help. He faces enemies, strong opposition, and evil plans.

It even seems at times that the Lord is far away. The psalmist feels confusion and distress instead of confidence and calm.

Theme notes and profiles

David

Glossary

David Imprecatory Psalms Music Nehiloth Psalms, Book of

Topics

Blasphemy: General Scriptures Concerning Prayer: To be offered: To God Prayerfulness: General Scriptures Concerning Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: King