Psalm 5

Read Psalm 5 ESV 

Who - David writing a song to God for favor from God.

What - This song entreats the LORD to grant favor to David and all those who are righteous over wicked and rebellious enemies who have rebelled against God.  Whatever the specific event leading to its inspiration, David sees the need for the LORD to intervene and act.  David acknowledges he cannot solve His problem on his own.    

When - Unknown, though the context of this psalm could fit any of David’s conflicts recorded in Scripture.

Where - Unknown 

Why - The enemies of David and/or Israel are attacking him/them.  David is asking God to look on him and his enemies, to judge and then act for David.  If not originally then later made into a song to be sung in corporate worship (vs 7).  

How - David models how to ask God for favor.

1. He addresses God acknowledging who God is and calling out to Him to hear David’s plea.
2. David states how he prepares and makes sacrifices to God and the reasons for those sacrifices, because God is holy and does not tolerate evil.
3. He contrast the wicked’s behavior to his worship and obedience to God.
4. David asks God to act against his enemies because of their wickedness and for David out of God’s steadfast love for David.
5. David ask God to bless those who take refuge in Him by:

1. rejoice and sing for joy at the LORD’S refuge
2. spread His protection over them so they may exult in God
3. cover them with favor like a shield

So What 

1. Follow this model to seek God’s favor when those in rebellion to God attack us or God’s people (such as our brothers and sisters in Christ oppressed around the globe).
2. Praise and acknowledge the Trinity for who they are, recount God’s steadfast love for me/us and Jesus’ righteousness.  Yes. David probably did not have an understanding of the Trinity as we do in the New Testament church, but the Holy Spirit did when He inspired David to write the psalms, therefore it is right to see them and apply them with a whole Scripture mindset.
3. God does not tolerate evil in His holy presence.  Cleanse your heart before you seek His face.  rely on Christ blood to wash you whiter than snow.  (Heb 10:19-22)
4. It is appropriate to contrast to God our behavior against that of the ungodly and wicked who are in rebellion against God. 
5. Ask God to act for His glory and so His people will praise Him.  For the Christian, the greatest victory over our enemies is that they confess Christ as Lord and Savior.  Ask for their salvation.
6. Then take hope in and have faith in God acting.  Do not be afraid.
7. As a prayer sung in worship, this psalm shows us it is appropriate to sing prayers to God as well as speak them.