Psalm 5: A Psalm for the Last Days

 

The Way of the Righteous: A Psalm for the Last Days

Scripture Texts: Psalm 5; Revelation 14:1–12

In Psalm 5, King David offers a morning prayer—a cry for divine guidance in a world saturated with wickedness. He draws a stark line between the righteous and the wicked, between those who love truth and those who delight in deceit. David is not vague or neutral; he is bold, even confrontational, about the moral and spiritual divide between those who serve God and those who oppose Him.

When we compare this psalm to Revelation 14:1–12, we find that David’s ancient song harmonizes with the prophetic vision given to the Apostle John. Both passages describe a holy distinction—between the righteous who stand with God and the rebellious who fall under His judgment. This comparison offers profound insight into what it means to be part of God’s last-day remnant movement.

The Prayer of the Righteous (Psalm 5:1–3)

David begins with intimacy:

"Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation."
"My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up."

Here is the cry of someone who knows God—not simply religious, but relational. The righteous begin their day in worship, lifting their hearts to heaven. This echoes Revelation 14:1, where John sees the Lamb standing on Mount Zion with 144,000 who have “His Father’s name written on their foreheads.” This symbolizes a people who belong to God in thought, in character, and in devotion.

To be part of the remnant is to live in worshipful dependence upon God. We do not draw our strength from the world but from our time in His presence. Just as David looked upward every morning, so too the remnant look to the Lamb and follow Him wherever He goes (Rev. 14:4).

The Character of the Wicked (Psalm 5:4–6)

David writes:

"For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee. The foolish shall not stand in thy sight."

This is a sobering truth: God’s holiness is not merely an abstract concept—it is a reality that demands separation from sin. God will not coexist with rebellion.

In Revelation 14:8–11, we see a parallel message. Babylon—a symbol of apostate religion and worldly corruption—is fallen. Her sins have reached heaven, and those who align with her receive the mark of the beast. They drink the cup of God’s wrath without mixture. There is no middle ground.

The remnant are those who reject Babylon’s deception and refuse to be partakers in her sins. They do not conform to the moral compromise or spiritual adultery of the world system.

The Path of the Righteous (Psalm 5:7–12)

David declares:

"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."
"Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face."

Here is the path of the redeemed: not self-righteousness, but divine mercy. Not presumption, but reverent worship. David knows he needs God to lead him in righteousness. The righteous walk a narrow way, often surrounded by enemies, yet they are shielded by God’s favor:

"For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield." (v. 12)

Compare this with Revelation 14:12:

"Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus."

The remnant are not perfect in themselves, but they are faithful. They are obedient to God’s commandments—not in a legalistic way, but as a fruit of their faith in Jesus. Their loyalty costs them; they may face persecution and loss, but they are preserved by God.

Implications for the Last-Day Remnant

So, what do we learn from Psalm 5 and Revelation 14?

1. Spiritual Distinction: God makes a clear distinction between the righteous and the wicked. The remnant are marked by holiness, not just outward profession.

2. Daily Devotion: Like David, the remnant are people of prayer, worship, and dependence upon God. They seek His face daily, not occasionally.

3. Moral Clarity: They do not compromise with sin. They reject the ways of Babylon and walk the narrow path—even when it is hard, even when it is unpopular.

4. Obedience and Faith: The remnant keep God’s commandments and hold fast to the faith of Jesus. Their obedience is not a burden, but a testimony of love and loyalty.

5. Sealed by God: Just as David found favor and protection, the remnant are sealed by God—set apart and preserved amid the judgments of the last days.

How About Us?

Psalm 5 and Revelation 14 are voices across time, echoing the same truth: God is calling a people who will worship Him in spirit and in truth. He is drawing out a remnant—loyal, devoted, pure—who will stand with the Lamb on Mount Zion.

May we be counted among them—not through our strength, but by His grace. Let us begin each day as David did, looking up, praying, worshiping, and walking in righteousness.

More: Lesson 8 In the Psalms: Part 1