Psalm 5 is the fifth psalm from the Book of Psalms. Its authorship is traditionally assigned to king David. It is a reflection of how the righteous man prays for deliverance not only for freedom from suffering, but to allow himself to be able to serve God without distraction.
Themes
Psalm 5 is within the genre of the morning prayer, because the morning was very important in the religions of the ancient Near East. Hence the verse 4. The Psalm opens with a lament, and continues with praise and requests that God punish evildoers. The psalmist describes the throat of the wicked as an open sepulcher. The Psalmist ends with a blessing extended to all those who trust in God.
Interpretation
The correct translation of the word Hebrew word הַנְּחִילֹ֗ות is unclear; the NRSV and the Luther Bible give it as "for flute" again. The Septuagint, Vulgate and some Arabic translations attribute נחל from "inherit" meaning "per ea quae haereditatem consequitur" and κληρονομος. Accordingly, it would be translated into English as "in favor of those who receive the inheritance." Therefore, Augustine, Cassiodorus and others had interpreted it as "those heirs of God". A thoroughly Christological interpretation can be found in Martin Luther's work, who finds the third verse revealing that the humanization of man happens through the incarnation of Jesus Christ. Gerhard Ebeling sees in the Psalm both a complaining and also at the same time exultation and rejoicing.
Context
Psalm 5 uses musical instruments, flutes. Psalm 4 was the first Psalm using a musical instrument, strings. A new theme is introduced, the name of God with Psalm 5:11 "But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you." This is the first of five psalms 5,6,7,8 and 9 all speaking of the name of God, with 9 verses speaking to various aspects, namely Ps 5:11, ps 6:5, Ps 7:17, Ps 8:1, Ps 8:9, Ps 9:2, Ps 9:5 and Ps 9:10. Various types of flow in the book of Psalms being explored by various authors such as O. Palmer Robertson. An emphasis of a particular genre of Psalm, the lament. In Ps 5:1 where God is called on to 'listen to my lament'. The most common genre of Psalm in the book of Psalms will be the lament.
