Psalm 5:8

Translations

Modern

Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make straight Your way before me.

Traditional

Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.

Literal

O YHWH, guide me in Your righteousness, on account of my enemies; make straight Your path before my face.

Latin

Domine, deduc me in justitia tua: propter inimicos meos dirige in conspectu tuo viam meam.

Original

Hebrew

English

Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make straight Your way before me.

Notes

Psalms 5:8

God guides those who are obedient, submissive, and patient as they wait for him to lead, provide, and protect them (Psalm 27:11; 43:3; 143:10). He does not guide those who expect God simply to approve their own decisions.
Following the right path of wisdom leads to the Lord (Psalms 47:11; 61:2; 139:24).

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

Related verses

Psalm 27:11
Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path, because of my oppressors.
Psalm 25:4–5
Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths.
Proverbs 3:5–6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
Psalm 86:11
Teach me Your way, O LORD, that I may walk in Your truth. Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name.
Psalm 119:10
With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me stray from Your commandments.
Psalm 143:8–10
Let me hear Your loving devotion in the morning, for I have put my trust in You. Teach me the way I should walk, for to You I lift up my soul.
Proverbs 4:25
Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead.
Psalm 119:64
The earth is filled with Your loving devotion, O LORD; teach me Your statutes.
Matthew 3:3
This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’”
Psalm 31:1
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; save me by Your righteousness.
Psalm 59:10
My God of loving devotion will come to meet me; God will let me stare down my foes.
Hebrews 12:13
Make straight paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

Glossary

David Imprecatory Psalms Music Nehiloth Psalms, Book of

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Prayer In Flattery: General Scriptures Concerning God: Guide God: Righteousness of The Righteousness of God: we should Pray: To be Led In Wisdom: Prayer for Spiritual

Psalm 5:8

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