Psalms 5:1

Psalm 5

For the music director, to be accompanied by wind instruments; a psalm of David.

5:1 Listen to what I say, Lord!

Carefully consider my complaint!

Psalms 55:1

Psalm 55

For the music director, to be accompanied by stringed instruments; a well-written song by David.

55:1 Listen, O God, to my prayer!

Do not ignore my appeal for mercy!


sn Psalm 5. Appealing to God’s justice and commitment to the godly, the psalmist asks the Lord to intervene and deliver him from evildoers.

tn The meaning of the Hebrew word נְחִילוֹת (nÿkhilot), which occurs only here, is uncertain. Many relate the form to חָלִיל (khalil, “flute”).

tn Heb “my words.”

tn Or “sighing.” The word occurs only here and in Ps 39:3.

sn Psalm 55. The suffering and oppressed author laments that one of his friends has betrayed him, but he is confident that God will vindicate him by punishing his deceitful enemies.

tn The meaning of the Hebrew term מַשְׂכִּיל (maskil) is uncertain. See the note on the phrase “well-written song” in the superscription of Ps 52.

tn Heb “hide yourself from.”