Bible Commentaries
Psalms 25

Verses 1-22

Psalms 25:0

Introduction Psalms 25:0 is an alphabetical acrostic poem, though slightly incomplete. In other words, the first letter of each verse of this Psalm is a succession of the Hebrew alphabet. However, this succession is incomplete in the fact that two of the Hebrew letters, ב and ק , are not placed at the beginning of a verse, but rather, within the verses, yet still in the order of the alphabet.

Literary Structure Psalms 25:0 contains an inclusio structure in that the opening Psalms 25:1-2 are restated in Psalms 25:20, one of the closing verses. In both verses, the psalmist asks that he not be shamed as he puts his trust in God and that he would triumph over his enemies. Although Psalms 25:19-20 does not restated the opening verses word-for-word, the same concepts are clearly expressed.

Psalms 25:7 Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD.

Psalms 25:7 “Remember not the sins of my youth” - Comments - When we are in great distress, we tend to look back in order to find a cause for our punishment. Here, David looks all the way back to his years as a foolish youth, in which behavior all adults find something to regret. Note that Job also mentions his youthful sins in his distress:

Job 13:26, “For thou writest bitter things against me, and makest me to possess the iniquities of my youth .”

Psalms 25:8 Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.

Psalms 25:8 Word Study on “sinner” - Strong says the Hebrew word “sinner” ( חַטָּא ) (H2400) means, “a criminal, one who is accounted guilty.” He says the root meaning of this word literally means, “to miss.” A sinner is one who has missed the way, or has been led astray. Therefore, a sinner needs to literally find his “way” back to the right path. Psalms 25:8 says that the Lord will teach the sinner how to find the right way.

Psalms 25:13 His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.

Psalms 25:13 Comments When a man fears God and follows the path that God chooses for his life, his soul will be at ease and prosperity will come so that his children will be blessed after him.

Psalms 25:14 The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.

Psalms 25:14 “The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him” - Illustrations:

Abraham:

Genesis 18:17-19, “And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.”

Prophets:

Amos 3:7, “Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.”

The Apostles:

John 15:15, “Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.”

Psalms 25:14 “and he will shew them his covenant” - Comments - God will demonstrate His covenant in the lives of His children. Others will see God at work in their lives, but will not understand why they are blessed.

The Lord progressively revealed His divine names to the patriarchs of the Old Testament. Within these names were revealed His character. In His character is seen His covenant promises. There are many aspects to God’s covenant with men. These aspects are not revealed quickly and at one time in our lives today. His progressive revelation will work in our lives today as we serve the Lord. As we walk with the Lord, we see His faithfulness and His ability to work in every area of our lives in bringing us to perfection. We will learn the manifold aspects of His divine covenant with those who love Him and serve Him.

Psalms 25:14 Comments The Lord has revealed to me a number of truths from His Word that most believers do not understand. These “secrets” have given me victory time and again. He reveals insights in the principles of the Kingdom of God, aspects of His divine covenant with His children. I have written perhaps all of these insights in my spiritual diary.

Psalms 25:22 Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.

Psalms 25:22 Comments - After David prays for himself, he prays for his kingdom, the nation of Israel. David knows that the issues and problems in his life will affect the entire nation. God provides for the nation according to how He provides for David.