The Lord’s holiness sets a standard of truth, purity, and humility, while His faithful love opens the way for worshipers to draw near.
In Psalm 5:4-7Psalm 5:4-7 commentary, commentary David, the second king of Israel ruling from approximately 1010 to 970 BC, describes the character of God when he declares, For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness; No evil dwells with You (v. 4). This statement underscores the absolute holiness of the Lord, whose presence cannot coexist with sin. In David’s time, the city of Jerusalem was the central place of worship for God’s people, serving as the location for the tabernacle and later the Temple. Here in this verse, David highlights that the Lord is utterly pure, providing hope for those who seek refuge in God's righteous nature. He contrasts this purity with the imperfections of humanity, reminding all believers that God’s standard of morality is unwavering.
The psalmist continues, The boastful shall not stand before Your eyes; You hate all who do iniquity (v. 5). By referencing the arrogance of the boastful, David points out that pride and self-exaltation have no place before a holy God. This teaching resonates throughout Scripture and finds ultimate correction in Christ’s teaching that humility opens the door to God’s grace (Luke 14:11Luke 14:11 commentary). As David lived in a time when surrounding nations worshiped numerous deities, his declaration clarifies that the true God does not abide wickedness, no matter how proudly it masquerades. David’s words assure the faithful that God confronts every form of sin so that truth and righteousness might prevail.
Next, David reveals the seriousness of sinful speech when he writes, You destroy those who speak falsehood; The LORD abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit (v. 6). The strong terms used here—destroy, abhors—emphasize God’s intense revulsion toward lies and violence. The moral fabric of Israel’s covenant with God depended on truthfulness and justice, reflecting His own heart of compassion. David’s perspective aligns with the broader biblical narrative that calls believers to speak the truth in all circumstances (Ephesians 4:25Ephesians 4:25 commentary). By highlighting how the Lord punishes destructive behaviors, the verse reinforces the understanding that God’s steadfast love for righteousness is inseparable from His disdain for the corruption that harms others.
Finally, the psalmist affirms a pathway for worship and nearness to the Lord, saying, But as for me, by Your abundant lovingkindness I will enter Your house, At Your holy temple I will bow in reverence for You (v. 7). Even though the permanent temple in Jerusalem would later be constructed by David’s son, Solomon, the tabernacle at that time stood as a sacred meeting place where worshipers could gather. David underscores the role of God’s lovingkindness—or covenantal love—in granting him the privilege to approach the divine presence. By bowing in reverence, David models genuine humility that acknowledges both God’s perfect holiness and His extraordinary mercy. For Christians today, this principle finds its culmination in Jesus, who invites all to draw near to God through faith (Hebrews 4:16Hebrews 4:16 commentary).
Set to dark mode
Psalm 5:4-7 meaning
In Psalm 5:4-7Psalm 5:4-7 commentary, commentary David, the second king of Israel ruling from approximately 1010 to 970 BC, describes the character of God when he declares, For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness; No evil dwells with You (v. 4). This statement underscores the absolute holiness of the Lord, whose presence cannot coexist with sin. In David’s time, the city of Jerusalem was the central place of worship for God’s people, serving as the location for the tabernacle and later the Temple. Here in this verse, David highlights that the Lord is utterly pure, providing hope for those who seek refuge in God's righteous nature. He contrasts this purity with the imperfections of humanity, reminding all believers that God’s standard of morality is unwavering.
The psalmist continues, The boastful shall not stand before Your eyes; You hate all who do iniquity (v. 5). By referencing the arrogance of the boastful, David points out that pride and self-exaltation have no place before a holy God. This teaching resonates throughout Scripture and finds ultimate correction in Christ’s teaching that humility opens the door to God’s grace (Luke 14:11Luke 14:11 commentary). As David lived in a time when surrounding nations worshiped numerous deities, his declaration clarifies that the true God does not abide wickedness, no matter how proudly it masquerades. David’s words assure the faithful that God confronts every form of sin so that truth and righteousness might prevail.
Next, David reveals the seriousness of sinful speech when he writes, You destroy those who speak falsehood; The LORD abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit (v. 6). The strong terms used here—destroy, abhors—emphasize God’s intense revulsion toward lies and violence. The moral fabric of Israel’s covenant with God depended on truthfulness and justice, reflecting His own heart of compassion. David’s perspective aligns with the broader biblical narrative that calls believers to speak the truth in all circumstances (Ephesians 4:25Ephesians 4:25 commentary). By highlighting how the Lord punishes destructive behaviors, the verse reinforces the understanding that God’s steadfast love for righteousness is inseparable from His disdain for the corruption that harms others.
Finally, the psalmist affirms a pathway for worship and nearness to the Lord, saying, But as for me, by Your abundant lovingkindness I will enter Your house, At Your holy temple I will bow in reverence for You (v. 7). Even though the permanent temple in Jerusalem would later be constructed by David’s son, Solomon, the tabernacle at that time stood as a sacred meeting place where worshipers could gather. David underscores the role of God’s lovingkindness—or covenantal love—in granting him the privilege to approach the divine presence. By bowing in reverence, David models genuine humility that acknowledges both God’s perfect holiness and His extraordinary mercy. For Christians today, this principle finds its culmination in Jesus, who invites all to draw near to God through faith (Hebrews 4:16Hebrews 4:16 commentary).