Bible Commentaries
Psalms 25

Verse 1

The second Acrostic Psalm (see App-63 .) The omission of ( Koph ) makes twenty-one letters (7x3) instead of twenty-two, and marks off one verse (Psalms 25:11 ) as central, which is the first confession of sin in the Psalms; thus linking on Repentance to Suffering and Resurrection ( Psa 16:22 ), as in Luke 24:44-47 . The double (Heb. character) (A=Aleph) in Psalms 25:1-2 connects the looking up of the worshipper with the double (Heb. character) (R=Resh) of Psalms 25:18-19 , which speaks of the looking down of Jehovah. These two are linked on to Psalms 25:0 by the Selah of Psalms 24:10 and Psalms 24:4 . See note on Selah (Psalms 24:10 ).

Title. of David = by David, or pertaining to the true David.

lift up. Psalms 25:1-2 are connected with verses: Psalms 25:18 , Psalms 25:19 , the double Aleph , with the double Resh connecting David's looking up with Jehovah's looking down.

soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .

Verse 2

I trust = have confided. Hebrew. batah . See App-69 . Not the same word as in Psalms 25:20 .

not. Hebrew. 'al (= Greek. me), subjective. Compare "none", Psalms 25:3 .

ashamed = put to shame. Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause) as a verb. So Psalms 25:20 ; Psalms 31:1 ; Psalms 119:116 , &c.

enemies = foes.

Verse 3

let none. Hebrew "none with ( lo ; Greek. ou, objective) them". Compare "not", Psalms 25:2 .

transgress = act treacherously. Hebrew. bagad.

Verse 5

On = For. Hebrew. ki. Some codices, with Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read Veki, "and for", thus restoring the Vav (consonant), which otherwise is wanting.

Verse 6

Remember. Note the threefold object of this remembrance in verses: Psalms 25:6 , Psalms 25:7 .

mercies = compassions. Hebrew. raham. Not the same word as in verses: Psalms 25:7 , Psalms 25:16 .

Verse 7

sins. Hebrew. chdta'. App-44 .

transgressions. Hebrew. pasha'. App-44 .

mercy = grace. Hebrew. hasad. Not the same word as in verses: Psalms 25:6 , Psalms 25:16 .

Verse 8

teach = direct. The subject of this member.

Verse 9

meek = patient, or good.

in judgment = to be vindicated.

Verse 10

such. The redeemed (Psalms 25:22 ) and righteous worshippers are the subject of this Psalm. See note above.

covenant. The first occurrence in the Psalms.

Verse 11

name's. See note on Psalms 20:1 .

Pardon. This is the first such plea in the Psalms. See note on "Selah" (Psalms 24:10 ). The central verse of this Psalm. Compare Psalms 25:18 .

Verse 12

What. ? Figure of speech Erotesis ( App-6 ), to emphasize the worshippers.

man. Hebrew. 'ish. App-14 .

feareth . = revereth.

Verse 13

His soul = He. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .

earth = land. Compare Matthew 5:5 .

Verse 14

secret = secret counsel.

shew them = cause them to know.

Verse 15

ever toward. Supply Figure of speech Ellipsis ( App-6 ), "ever [looking] toward". It is salutary suspense which keeps us thus looking.

Verse 16

have mercy upon = show kindness to. Hebrew. hanan. Not the same word as in verses: Psalms 25:6 , Psalms 25:7 .

desolate = [Thine] only One. Hebrew. yachid. See note on Deuteronomy 6:4 . Septuagint = monogenes, only begotten.

Verse 17

enlarged, &c.: or, troubles have enlarged my heart: i.e. made it more sympathetic.

O bring: or Thou hast brought.

Verse 18

Look upon. See note on "lift up", Psalms 25:1 .

affliction = humiliation.

forgive = bear away. First occurrence in the Psalms.

sins. Hebrew. chata. App-44 .

Verse 19

Consider. Same Hebrew as "look upon", Psalms 25:18 ,

enemies = foes.

cruel hatre d. Hebrew "hatred of violence" = "violent hatred". Ginsburg thinks "hatred without a cause".

Verse 20

deliver = rescue.

put my trust = flee for refuge. Hebrew. hasah. See App-69 . Not the same word as in Psalms 25:1 .

Verse 22

Redeem = Deliver: i.e. redeem by putting forth power. Hebrew. padah. See notes on Exodus 13:13 .