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.
Psalms 5:7
Psalm 5 is a morning prayer of David, a litany of morning devotion and divine appeal. Verse 7 sits at the heart of his worship posture: he will enter God’s house “in the multitude of thy mercy.” The Hebrew word for mercy (hesed) captures steadfast love, covenant faithfulness, and kindness that God extends toward those who belong to him. David contrasts the security of approaching God in mercy with the fear that frames his reverent worship: “in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.” This fear is not terror but a reverent awe—a profound respect that leads to disciplined worship. Historically, the temple precincts symbolized God’s presence, a place where heaven met earth. For David, the temple represents Israel’s unique relationship with Yahweh, a community-centered locus for prayer, sacrifice, and confession. Culturally, approaching the sanctuary required cleansing and purity; the psalmist merges personal mercy with communal worship, recognizing that true worship flows from God’s gracious initiative and is enacted in humble, obedient devotion.
This verse foregrounds two core themes: mercy as the basis of accessible worship and fear as a posture of reverence. God’s mercy makes approach possible; without it, worship would be presumption. The verse secures a paradox: bold entry “in the multitude of thy mercy” while approaching “in thy fear.” The fear here aligns with awe before God’s holiness, not cringing self-reproach. It signals trust: one does not demand access on merit but comes by divine generosity. The temple imagery anchors the sanctity of corporate worship—the belief that God dwells among his people in the community’s gathered life. Practical implication: worship is both grace-laden and disciplined. Theologically, it teaches that mercy initiates relationship, and reverence shapes expression—words, music, confession, and obedience become a fitting response to a God who loves first.
In everyday life, this verse invites believers to enter their “daily sanctuary” with gratitude for God’s mercy. Start the day by acknowledging God’s steadfast love before presenting requests or complaints; let mercy set the tone for your worship, even when you’re rushed or stressed. Practically, prepare your heart like entering a temple: confess a few sins, thank God for mercy shown in Christ, and align your intentions with God’s holiness. The fear aspect translates into disciplined worship: intentional quiet, Scripture engagement, and a posture of listening rather than demanding. For families, create a morning ritual: brief gratitude, a verse, and a moment of communal prayer, modeling worship as a response to mercy. In workplace rhythms, approach tasks with integrity and a posture of dependence on God’s guidance, recognizing that mercy enables access to God’s presence wherever you are.
Cross-References: Psalm 4:5; Psalm 27:4; Psalm 24:3-4; Hebrews 10:19-22