As with many of the psalms, chapter five contains a great contrast. Most of the verses describe the offense and retribution of sinfulness. In fact one of the more alarming phrases of all the Bible is found in this context. Psalm 5:5-6 says, “You [God] hate all evildoers . . . the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.” So much for “God loves the sinner but hates the sin!” God does not abhor some abstract notion or concept labeled “sin.” God hates the committing of sin, which is the committing of rebellion, idolatry, mockery, and rejection. To sin is to declare war on God. All sinners have announced by their sin that they will override God’s will and overtake God’s plan. The message of Psalm 5 is that God will retaliate!
Sinners will not win this war! The Lord will “make them bear their guilt,” because “of the abundance of their transgressions” [God will] “cast them out” (v10). We must be mindful, with fear and trembling, that God will not judge sin on the great and terrible Day of the Lord; He will judge sinners!
What are we to do since we are all sinners? Here is where the great contrast of chapter five arises. We are to flee to God in Christ for refuge, or to say it another way, for salvation from the punishment of our sin! Once we have embraced Christ and been reconciled to God, we no longer face terror but rather unending joy! 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.”
Can you imagine the elation of never more running from the fierce justice of God but finding ever more protection and joy in the embrace of God! When you embrace Christ, God embraces you, and that is joy unending!
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