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 (KJV)
Context
Psalm 5 is a morning prayer by King David. He asks God for guidance and protection while enemies and wicked people surround him. In the verses just before this one, David describes the character of the wicked and their separation from God. Verse 7 then turns from that dark picture to David’s own choice. The words “But as for me” mark a clear personal decision to live differently.
At the time David wrote this, the temple in Jerusalem had not yet been built. The “house of God” was the tabernacle, the tent where God’s presence dwelled among His people. David’s words “I will come into thy house” express his desire to enter that place of worship and fellowship with God.
Meaning
David says he will come “in the multitude of thy mercy.” The Hebrew word behind “mercy” is chesed, which means God’s steadfast, loyal love and kindness. David does not claim any right to enter God’s presence. He knows that access is possible only because God is merciful and gracious. His confidence rests on God’s character, not on his own goodness.
The phrase “in thy fear will I worship” explains the attitude of his worship. “Fear” here does not mean terror or anxiety. It means reverential awe and deep respect for God’s holiness and majesty. David approaches God with humble wonder, recognizing that God is great and sovereign.
David says he will worship “toward thy holy temple.” In his day, the tabernacle was the sacred place where God’s presence dwelled. To worship “toward” it meant to direct his prayer and devotion toward the sanctuary, the place where God met His people. This outward direction reflected the inward focus of his heart on God Himself.
Biblical connections
David’s words show a pattern that continues in later Scripture. The tabernacle was the place of God’s presence, and later the temple took that role (1 Chronicles 9:23). David’s approach to God combines two essential attitudes: confidence in God’s mercy and humble reverence. This same combination appears throughout the Psalms, where worshipers are called to serve the Lord with fear and to rejoice with trembling.
Application
This verse teaches that true worship begins with a personal decision. Like David, each believer must say “But as for me” and choose to draw near to God. We do not come because we deserve to come. We come because God’s mercy is abundant and His love is steadfast.
Worship also requires the right spirit. We approach God with gratitude for His grace, but also with holy reverence. He is our loving Father, yet He is also the holy God. Both truths belong together in our prayers and in our praise.
David’s example encourages us to make worship a priority. He was determined to enter God’s house and to direct his heart toward God. In our own lives, we can follow that same pattern by setting aside time to seek God, by coming to Him with humble trust in His mercy, and by honoring Him with reverent awe.
Reflection
Consider your own approach to God. Do you come to Him with confidence in His mercy, or do you rely on your own efforts? Do you worship with reverent fear, or have you lost the sense of His holiness? Let David’s words shape your prayer today: come into God’s presence through His abundant mercy, and worship Him with humble, joyful awe.
