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25:title–22 Psalm 25, which is probably an individual lament psalm, is a mostly complete acrostic poem—a poem where the lines start with consecutive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. The psalmist emphasizes his desire for Yahweh’s guidance and deliverance. He asserts his trust in God (vv. 1–3), then petitions Yahweh for guidance (vv. 4–5) and forgiveness (vv. 6–7). After describing Yahweh’s goodness and faithfulness (vv. 8–10), the psalmist again seeks forgiveness (v. 11). He describes the benefits of fearing Yahweh (vv. 12–15), and seeks His deliverance and protection (vv. 16–18, 19–21). The psalmist concludes by asking God to redeem all of Israel (v. 22). |
25:title Of David See note on 3:title.
25:1 my soul See note on 24:4. The psalmist puts all his trust and hope in Yahweh.
25:2 let me not be put to shame The Hebrew word used here, bosh, often represents a result of misplaced trust (Job 6:20). In Isaiah, Yahweh declares the people of Israel will be shamed because they trust in idols (Isa 1:29) and other nations (Isa 20:5). Here, the psalmist prays that his trust in God will be validated.
25:3 Those who betray The term bagad, meaning “treacherous,” can mean “to betray” (Ps 73:15; Isa 21:2) or “to be faithless” (Hos 6:7; Mal 2:10–11). It is the opposite of righteous (Prov 11:3, 11:6).
25:4–5 The psalmist uses several Hebrew words here for learning or instruction as he asks Yahweh to teach (lamad), lead (darakh), and make known (yada') His true paths. The psalmist trusts in Yahweh because He guides and protects him (Ps 23:1–3). |
25:4 paths Involves Yahweh’s faithful, covenantal love (see v. 10 and note).
25:6–7 The psalmist seeks forgiveness and reminds Yahweh of His mercy and faithful love (chesed in Hebrew; see note on v. 10). He hopes Yahweh will remember these things rather than the psalmist’s sins. He contrasts the timelessness of Yahweh’s love and mercy with the temporary sins of his youth, citing Yahweh’s goodness as his grounds for appeal (23:6). |
25:8–10 After appealing to Yahweh for guidance (vv. 4–5) and forgiveness (vv. 6–7), the psalmist praises Yahweh’s character. He trusts God (v. 2) knowing He is a good and faithful guide who teaches the sinner and the humble.
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25:10 are loyal love The Hebrew term used here, chesed, is one of Yahweh’s essential characteristics. When paired with emeth, the Hebrew word for God’s faithfulness (as it is here), chesed, describes God as absolutely dependable to fulfill His promises (see Exod 34:6 and note).
Chesed TWOT
Chesed Word Study
25:11 for the sake of your name The psalmist often appeals to God for help or forgiveness on the basis of His name, that it might reveal His faithful love. See note on Ps 23:3.
forgive my sin By acknowledging his guilt, the psalmist identifies himself with the humble (v. 9).
25:12 Who is the man The psalmist describes the benefits of having a proper attitude toward God’s divine sovereignty. Fearing God involves obedience (Gen 22:12; Deut 6:2) and trust (Psa 40:3; 115:11).
Fearing God in the Old Testament
25:13 will lodge in prosperity Those who fear Yahweh are ultimately in His care.
25:14 Intimate fellowship with The Hebrew noun used here, sod, can mean “council” (Jer 23:18); it refers to a close relationship of confidence (Job 29:4; Prov 3:32). Those who fear Yahweh will enjoy His friendship.
25:15 My eyes are continually toward Yahweh After describing the benefits of fearing Yahweh (reverently standing in awe of Him), the psalmist confirms his devotion. He looks to Yahweh as his source of help.
25:16–20 The psalmist asks Yahweh to deliver him from his affliction and trouble. He does not specify the cause of his distress; it likely relates to his enemies (Ps 25:19–20). |
25:16 I am lonely By using the term yachid (“lonely”), the psalmist may be suggesting he has been ostracized or deserted. This loneliness contrasts the friendship that comes from trusting Yahweh (v. 14).
25:18 Consider The Hebrew word used here, ra’ah, means “to consider,” “to look at,” or “to see.” The psalmist declares that he keeps his eyes fixed on Yahweh (v. 15).
25:20 I take shelter in you See note on 11:1.
25:21 integrity and uprightness These terms, which indicate purity and honesty, are also used to describe Job (see Job 1:1 and note).
25:22 O God, redeem Israel This closing verse is outside the acrostic pattern of the psalm (see note on Ps 25:title–22)—which highlights it as a closing remark. The psalmist petitions God to redeem (padah in Hebrew) all of Israel, rather than just the psalmist.
Padah NIDOTTE
The Hebrew word padah means “to redeem.” It refers to buying something back. It often occurs in the context of ransoming or delivering people from trouble or affliction. Yahweh redeems Israel from slavery in Egypt (Deut 7:8; Mic 6:4). He also redeems individuals from their enemies (2 Sam 4:9; 1 Kgs 1:29). |
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About Faithlife Study BibleFaithlife Study Bible (FSB) is your guide to the ancient world of the Old and New Testaments, with study notes and articles that draw from a wide range of academic research. FSB helps you learn how to think about interpretation methods and issues so that you can gain a deeper understanding of the text. |
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