Psalms 5:1-2

Psalm 5 ¹ 

For the music director, to be accompanied by wind instruments; ²  a psalm of David.

5:1 Listen to what I say, ³  Lord!

Carefully consider my complaint! ⁴ 

5:2 Pay attention to my cry for help,

my king and my God,

for I am praying to you!

Psalms 17:1

Psalm 17 ⁵ 

A prayer of David.

17:1 Lord, consider my just cause! ⁶ 

Pay attention to my cry for help!

Listen to the prayer

I sincerely offer! ⁷ 

Psalms 130:2

130:2 O Lord, listen to me! ⁸ 

Pay attention to ⁹  my plea for mercy!

[5:1]  ¹ 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.

[5:1]  ² tn The meaning of the Hebrew word נְחִילוֹת (nÿkhilot), which occurs only here, is uncertain. Many relate the form to חָלִיל (khalil, “flute”).

[5:1]  ³ tn Heb “my words.”

[5:1]  ⁴ tn Or “sighing.” The word occurs only here and in Ps 39:3.

[17:1]  ⁵ sn Psalm 17. The psalmist asks God to intervene on his behalf because his life is threatened by dangerous enemies. He appeals to divine justice, for he is certain of his own innocence. Because he is innocent, he expects to encounter God and receive an assuring word.

[17:1]  ⁶ tn Heb “hear, Lord, what is just.”

[17:1]  ⁷ tn Heb “Listen to my prayer, [made] without lips of deceit.”

[130:2]  ⁸ tn Heb “my voice.”

[130:2]  ⁹ tn Heb “may your ears be attentive to the voice of.”