Psalm 5: Lead Me in Your Righteousness – A Coptic Orthodox Commentary

Executive Summary

Psalm 5, a heartfelt plea for divine guidance and protection, resonates deeply within the Coptic Orthodox tradition. This psalm, attributed to David, cries out for God’s attentiveness to prayer and His righteous judgment against the wicked. Through a careful verse-by-verse examination, we will uncover the psalm’s layers of meaning, exploring its historical context, its theological significance concerning God’s justice and mercy, and its practical application for cultivating a life of prayer and righteousness. We will see how this ancient hymn echoes the prayers of the Coptic Church and illuminates our path toward salvation. Ultimately, Psalm 5 teaches us to persistently seek God’s face, trusting in His unwavering love to Lead Me in Your Righteousness, a path that safeguards us from the snares of the world.

Introduction: Psalm 5 is a powerful testament to the importance of earnest prayer and unwavering faith in God’s justice. It is a call to holiness and a promise of divine protection for those who seek Him with sincerity. Let us delve into this beautiful psalm and discover its timeless wisdom.

Commentary on Psalm 5

Psalm 5:1 (KJV)

Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.

Κύριε, εἰσάκουσον τῶν λόγων μου, σύνες τῆς κραυγῆς μου.

(Kyrie, eisakouson tōn logōn mou, synes tēs kraugēs mou.)

(Lord, give ear to my words; understand my cry.)

The Psalmist begins with a direct appeal to God, acknowledging Him as the source of all hearing and understanding. The use of “meditation” suggests a prayer that is not merely vocal but deeply reflective, born from a sincere heart. This emphasizes the importance of engaging our minds and hearts when we approach God in prayer. The Coptic Orthodox Church emphasizes the importance of inner prayer, the “prayer of the heart,” alongside outward expressions of worship.

Spiritual Application: Start each day with intentional, thoughtful prayer. Don’t just go through the motions; engage your heart and mind in seeking God’s guidance.

Psalm 5:2 (KJV)

Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.

πρόσχες τῇ φωνῇ τῆς δεήσεώς μου, ὁ βασιλεύς μου καὶ ὁ θεός μου, ὅτι πρὸς σὲ προσεύξομαι.

(proschos tē phōnē tēs deēseōs mou, ho basileus mou kai ho theos mou, hoti pros se proseuxomai.)

(Give heed to the voice of my supplication, my King and my God, for to You I will pray.)

David acknowledges God as both his King and his God, highlighting God’s dual role as sovereign ruler and intimate protector. Calling God “my King” signifies allegiance and obedience, while “my God” expresses personal relationship and trust. The repetition of “hearken” reinforces the Psalmist’s earnestness. Saint Athanasius, in *Contra Gentes*, speaks of God as both transcendent and immanent, a concept echoed in this verse.

Spiritual Application: Recognize God’s authority in your life, submitting to His will while also cherishing your personal relationship with Him.

Psalm 5:3 (KJV)

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

τὸ πρωΐ εἰσακούσῃς τῆς φωνῆς μου, τὸ πρωΐ παραστήσομαί σοι καὶ ἐπόψομαι.

(to prōi eisakousēs tēs phōnēs mou, to prōi parastēsomai soi kai epopsomai.)

(In the morning You shall hear my voice; in the morning I will stand before You, and will look up.)

The Psalmist establishes a habit of morning prayer, emphasizing the importance of beginning the day with God. “I will direct my prayer” speaks to the intentionality of focusing one’s thoughts and desires towards God. “I will look up” suggests an attitude of hope and expectation, trusting that God will hear and answer. The practice of morning prayer is deeply ingrained in Coptic Orthodox tradition, mirroring the daily prayer services that begin before sunrise.

Spiritual Application: Prioritize morning prayer as a way to set the tone for the day, seeking God’s guidance and strength.

Psalm 5:4-6 (KJV)

For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee. The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity. Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.

Ὅτι οὐχὶ θεὸς θέλων ἀνομίαν σὺ εἶ· οὐ παροικήσει σοι πονηρευόμενος, οὐδὲ συμπαραμενεῖ παρανομήσαντες ἐνώπιόν σου· ἐμίσησας πάντας τοὺς ἐργαζομένους τὴν ἀνομίαν. Ἀπολεῖς πάντας τοὺς λαλοῦντας τὸ ψεῦδος· ἄνδρα αἱμάτων καὶ δόλιον βδελύσσεται κύριος.

(Hoti ouchi theos thelōn anomian su ei; ou paroikēsei soi ponēreuomenos, oude symparamenei paranomēsantes enōpion sou; emisēsas pantas tous ergazomenous tēn anomian. Apoleis pantas tous lalountas to pseudos; andra haimatōn kai dolion bdelyssetai kyrios.)

(For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, nor shall evil dwell with You. The transgressors shall not stand before You; You hate all those who work iniquity. You shall destroy all those who speak falsehood; the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.)

These verses highlight the stark contrast between God’s holiness and the nature of sin. God’s aversion to wickedness is emphasized through strong language, such as “thou hatest” and “will abhor.” This underscores the importance of striving for righteousness and avoiding sin. Saint Cyril of Alexandria, in his commentary on the Psalms, emphasizes God’s justice in punishing the wicked while rewarding the righteous. This passage reflects the prophetic tradition of calling for justice and denouncing oppression, values integral to the Coptic Orthodox faith.

Spiritual Application: Examine your life for areas where sin may be present, and actively work to overcome them through repentance and reliance on God’s grace. Remember that God detests deceit and violence.

Psalm 5:7 (KJV)

But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.

ἐγὼ δὲ ἐν τῷ πλήθει τοῦ ἐλέους σου εἰσελεύσομαι εἰς τὸν οἶκόν σου, προσκυνήσω πρὸς ναὸν ἅγιόν σου ἐν φόβῳ σου.

(egō de en tō plēthei tou eleous sou eiseleusomai eis ton oikon sou, proskynēsō pros naon hagion sou en phobō sou.)

(But as for me, in the multitude of Your mercy I will enter Your house; I will worship toward Your holy temple in Your fear.)

While the wicked are excluded from God’s presence, the Psalmist affirms his intention to enter God’s house, relying on God’s abundant mercy rather than his own merit. The phrase “in thy fear” denotes reverence and awe before God. The concept of worshiping “toward thy holy temple” points to the earthly sanctuary as a symbol of God’s presence and a focal point for prayer. In our Coptic churches, we maintain this sense of reverence, understanding the church as the House of God.

Spiritual Application: Approach God with humility and reverence, acknowledging your dependence on His mercy and grace.

Psalm 5:8 (KJV)

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

Κύριε, ὁδήγησόν με ἐν τῇ δικαιοσύνῃ σου ἕνεκα τῶν ἐχθρῶν μου, κατεύθυνον ἐνώπιόν μου τὴν ὁδόν σου.

(Kyrie, hodēgēson me en tē dikaiosynē sou heneka tōn echthrōn mou, kateuthynon enōpion mou tēn hodon sou.)

(Lord, lead me in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make Your way straight before my face.)

This is the central verse of the Psalm and encapsulates its core message. The Psalmist pleads for divine guidance and protection amidst the threats of his enemies. He understands that true safety lies in following God’s righteous path, which will confound his adversaries. “Make thy way straight before my face” implies a desire for clarity and certainty in discerning God’s will. This verse is a powerful prayer for discernment, asking God to illuminate our path and protect us from the schemes of the enemy. The Coptic Church teaches us to pray for our enemies, asking God to change their hearts. This is the ultimate righteous path, demonstrating the love of Christ.

Spiritual Application: When facing challenges or opposition, seek God’s guidance and direction, trusting that He will lead you on the right path. Remember to pray for those who oppose you.

Psalm 5:9 (KJV)

For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.

ὅτι οὐκ ἔστιν ἐν τῷ στόματι αὐτῶν ἀλήθεια, ἡ καρδία αὐτῶν ματαία, τάφος ἀνεῳγμένος ὁ λάρυγξ αὐτῶν, ταῖς γλώσσαις αὐτῶν ἐδολιοῦσαν.

(hoti ouk estin en tō stomati autōn alētheia, hē kardia autōn mataia, taphos aneōgmenos ho larygx autōn, tais glōssais autōn edolioun.)

(For there is no truth in their mouth; their heart is vain; their throat is an open tomb; with their tongues they have spoken deceitfully.)

This verse paints a stark picture of the deceitfulness and wickedness of the Psalmist’s enemies. The image of “their throat is an open sepulchre” conveys a sense of corruption and death, highlighting the destructive nature of their words. The phrase “they flatter with their tongue” reveals their hypocrisy and manipulative intentions. This serves as a warning against those who speak with duplicity and harbor evil intentions. We must be discerning and cautious in our interactions with others, seeking truth and sincerity in all things.

Spiritual Application: Be wary of flattery and deceptive words. Strive to speak truthfully and sincerely, avoiding gossip and malicious talk.

Psalm 5:10 (KJV)

Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee.

κρῖνον αὐτούς, ὁ θεός, ἀποπεσάτωσαν ἀπὸ τῶν διαβουλίων αὐτῶν, κατὰ τὸ πλῆθος τῶν ἀσεβειῶν αὐτῶν ἔξωσον αὐτούς, ὅτι παρεπίκραναν σέ, κύριε.

(krinon autous, ho theos, apopesatōsan apo tōn diabouliōn autōn, kata to plēthos tōn asebeiōn autōn exōson autous, hoti parepikranan se, kyrie.)

(Judge them, O God; let them fall from their own plans; cast them out according to the multitude of their ungodliness, for they have provoked You, O Lord.)

The Psalmist calls upon God to judge his enemies and bring about their downfall. This verse expresses a desire for justice and vindication, reflecting the belief that God will ultimately punish the wicked. The phrase “they have rebelled against thee” underscores the seriousness of their transgression, which is not merely against the Psalmist but against God Himself. This is a plea for God to intervene and uphold righteousness. While we pray for the salvation of all, we must also trust in God’s justice and His ability to bring about what is right.

Spiritual Application: Trust in God’s justice and His ability to bring about what is right, even when faced with injustice and oppression.

Psalm 5:11-12 (KJV)

But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.

καὶ εὐφρανθείησαν πάντες οἱ ἐλπίζοντες ἐπὶ σέ, εἰς αἰῶνα ἀγαλλιάσονται, καὶ κατασκηνώσεις ἐν αὐτοῖς, καὶ καυχήσονται ἐν σοί, καὶ ἀγαλλιάσονται ἐν σοὶ οἱ ἀγαπῶντες τὸ ὄνομά σου. Ὅτι σὺ εὐλογήσεις δίκαιον, κύριε, ὡς ὅπλῳ εὐδοκίας ἐστεφάνωσας ἡμᾶς.

(kai euphranthēisan pantes hoi elpizontes epi se, eis aiōna agalliassontai, kai kataskēnōseis en autois, kai kauchēsontai en soi, kai agalliassontai en soi hoi agapōntes to onoma sou. Hoti sy eulogēseis dikaion, kyrie, hōs hoplō eudokias estephanōsas hēmas.)

(But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You. For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor You have surrounded us as with a shield.)

The psalm concludes with a promise of blessing and protection for those who trust in God. The Psalmist expresses his desire for the righteous to rejoice and shout for joy, knowing that God defends them. This is a celebration of God’s faithfulness and a testament to the security that comes from placing one’s trust in Him. The image of God compassing the righteous with favor as with a shield conveys a sense of complete and unwavering protection. This promise echoes throughout the New Testament, especially in the teachings of Christ. We, as Coptic Christians, find our joy and security in the love and protection of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Spiritual Application: Find joy and security in trusting in God, knowing that He will protect and bless those who love Him. Rejoice in His faithfulness and unwavering love.

Subtopic: The Importance of Righteousness

Righteousness, as highlighted in Psalm 5, is not merely an abstract concept, but a way of life that aligns with God’s will. It involves moral integrity, justice, and a commitment to living according to God’s commandments. Here are some key reflections:

• Righteousness is a gift from God: While we strive for righteousness, it is ultimately a gift from God, made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
• Righteousness protects us: As Psalm 5:8 indicates, living righteously provides a shield against the attacks of our enemies, both spiritual and physical.
• Righteousness brings joy: The psalm concludes with the promise of joy for those who trust in God and live righteously.
• Righteousness requires constant effort: It is a journey, not a destination. We must continually strive to grow in righteousness, seeking God’s guidance and strength.
• Righteousness reflects God’s character: By living righteously, we reflect God’s character to the world, becoming beacons of light and hope.
• Righteousness is linked to **affordable** salvation and **access** to His grace. Find out more about this spiritual journey with doHost.us!**