Psalms 5:7
But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.
Original Language Analysis
חַ֭סְדְּךָ
of thy mercy
H2617
חַ֭סְדְּךָ
of thy mercy
Strong's:
H2617
Word #:
3 of 10
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
אָב֣וֹא
But as for me I will come
H935
אָב֣וֹא
But as for me I will come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
4 of 10
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
בֵיתֶ֑ךָ
into thy house
H1004
בֵיתֶ֑ךָ
into thy house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
5 of 10
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אֶשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֥ה
will I worship
H7812
אֶשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֥ה
will I worship
Strong's:
H7812
Word #:
6 of 10
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
Cross References
Psalms 138:2I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.Psalms 132:7We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool.Psalms 69:13But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O LORD, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation.Hebrews 4:16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.Isaiah 55:7Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.Daniel 6:10Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.Joshua 24:15And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.Acts 9:31Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.1 Kings 8:38What prayer and supplication soever be made by any man, or by all thy people Israel, which shall know every man the plague of his own heart, and spread forth his hands toward this house:Hosea 3:5Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days.
Historical Context
Though written before Solomon's temple, David speaks prophetically of the future worship center. 'Thy fear' reflects proper covenant relationship - not cringing terror but reverent respect. The temple would be the place where God's mercy and holiness met, ultimately fulfilled in Christ who is both our mercy seat and our temple (John 2:19-21).
Questions for Reflection
- Do you approach God presuming on His mercy or with appropriate reverential fear?
- How does awareness of God's abundant mercy toward you increase your worship?
Analysis & Commentary
After describing God's hatred of sinners, David contrasts himself not through self-righteousness but through God's mercy. 'The multitude of thy mercy' (Hebrew 'rob chesed' - abundance of covenant love) is his only plea. David will worship 'in thy fear' - reverential awe, not terror. The temple (literally 'holy temple' or 'palace of holiness') represents God's presence. This verse captures the Reformed doctrine of sola gratia - we approach God solely through His mercy, not our merit, yet this grace produces holy fear and worship.