Psalms – Chapter 5

Old Testament13 Verses

Chapter Summary

"Unto the end, for her that obtaineth the inheritance. A psalm for David." — so begins Psalms 5. David stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 13 verses, two threads run through the text: prayer and worship and praise. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1Unto the end, for her that obtaineth the inheritance. A psalm for David.

2Give ear, O Lord, to my words, understand my cry.

3Hearken to the voice of my prayer, O my King and my God.

4For to thee will I pray: O Lord, in the morning thou shalt hear my voice.

5In the morning I will stand before thee, and I will see: because thou art not a God that willest iniquity.

6Neither shall the wicked dwell near thee: nor shall the unjust abide before thy eyes.

7Thou hatest all the workers of iniquity: thou wilt destroy all that speak a lie. The bloody and the deceitful man the Lord will abhor.

8But as for me in the multitude of thy mercy, I will come into thy house; I will worship towards thy holy temple, in thy fear.

9Conduct me, O Lord, in thy justice: because of my enemies, direct my way in thy sight.

10For there is no truth in their mouth: their heart is vain.

11Their throat is an open sepulchre: they dealt deceitfully with their tongues: judge them, O God. Let them fall from their devices: according to the multitude of their wickednesses cast them out: for they have provoked thee, O Lord.

12But let all them be glad that hope in thee: they shall rejoice for ever, and thou shalt dwell in them. And all they that love thy name shall glory in thee.

13For thou wilt bless the just. O Lord, thou hast crowned us, as with a shield of thy good will.

Important Verses in Psalms 5

Unto the end, for her that obtaineth the inheritance. A psalm for David.

Psalms 5:1

For to thee will I pray: O Lord, in the morning thou shalt hear my voice.

Psalms 5:4

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

Psalms 5:8

But let all them be glad that hope in thee: they shall rejoice for ever, and thou shalt dwell in them. And all they that love thy name shall glory in thee.

Psalms 5:12

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Psalms was written with god's people at prayer in every age in view. Chapter 5 of 150 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 13 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on David, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. The chapter begins: "Unto the end, for her that obtaineth the inheritance. A psalm for David." The chapter ends with: "For thou wilt bless the just. O Lord, thou hast crowned us, as with a shield of thy good will. " In terms of historical background, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, the psalmist voices praise, lament, thanksgiving, or petition before God. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Unto the end, for her that obtaineth the inheritance. A psalm for David." The passage repeatedly touches on prayer and petition to God.

Catholic exegesis reads Psalms 5 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). St. John Chrysostom and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 385).

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Psalms 5 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.
  • Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.

People in This Chapter

David1 mention

Reflection for Today

In Psalms Chapter 5, the Church invites us to listen attentively to God's Word within the broader narrative of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God.

The Second Vatican Council reminded the faithful that Scripture should permeate Catholic spirituality (Dei Verbum, 21-26). Psalms Chapter 5 supports that call by drawing attention to redemptive suffering united to the Cross within the wider message that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him.

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 958).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 5 about?

Psalms 5 contains 13 verses. It opens with "Unto the end, for her that obtaineth the inheritance. A psalm for David." and closes with "For thou wilt bless the just. O Lord, thou hast crowned us, as with a shield of thy good will. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 5?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Unto the end, for her that obtaineth the inheritance. A psalm for David." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 5?

This chapter mentions David.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Deepen your understanding with these related articles