Lead Me, O LORD, in Your Righteousness (Psalm 5) | Matthew Poole

Deep Dive into Matthew Poole’s Commentary on the Holy Bible, Volumes 1–3 - Psalm 5Psalm 5 offers a profound insight into David's prayer life, God's character, and the stark contrast between the righteous and the wicked. David composes this psalm in great distress, likely from adversaries like Saul or Absalom, expressing a deeply personal and heartfelt appeal to God. He calls his prayer a "meditation," emphasizing it's not a superficial "lip prayer" but one flowing from the "deepest thoughts and most fervent affections of his soul." David demonstrates constancy and diligence in prayer, committing to it early in the morning and looking up to God with confident and patient expectation of relief.His understanding of God is central: God is attentive to prayer, a just and holy King who absolutely abhors wickedness and deceit. God has "no pleasure in wickedness" and "hatest all workers of iniquity," including those who "speak leasing" (lies) and are "bloody and deceitful." These enemies are described as malicious, cunning, and treacherous, using flattery and lies like an "open sepulchre" to deceive and devour. David prays for their destruction, asking God to condemn and punish them, causing their own wicked counsels to fail as they have rebelled against God.In contrast to his enemies, David expects God's mercy and guidance, asking Him to "lead me... in thy righteousness" and "make thy way straight." He expresses his desire to be restored to God's house, the tabernacle, worshipping with holy fear and reverence. Importantly, his prayer extends beyond himself to all good men, those who "put their trust" in God and "love thy name." He knows God will bless the righteous, defending them and surrounding them "as with a shield," ensuring their safety on every side and causing them to rejoice. The psalm's title also hints at its musical nature, with "Nehiloth" likely referring to a wind instrument.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianhttps://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730