Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.
Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.
Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.
Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.
Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.
Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O Lord.
Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.
The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.
All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
For thy name’s sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.
What man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.
His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.
The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.
Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.
The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.
Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.
Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred.
O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.
Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.
Psalm 25 is a heartfelt plea for divine guidance and deliverance, revealing David's deep trust in the Lord amidst life's challenges. This psalm is particularly insightful as it follows an acrostic structure, where each verse (mostly) begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This literary device may have served as a memory aid or emphasized the completeness of David's prayer. In this prayer, David acknowledges life as a challenging journey, one that can only be navigated successfully with the Lord's direction, echoing the sentiment of Proverbs 3:5–6, which emphasizes seeking the Lord's will. David is concerned about his enemies and his own shortcomings, imploring the Lord to deliver him from both.
Trust and Petition (Psalms 25:1-3)
David begins by expressing his unwavering trust in God, declaring, "To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul" (Psalms 25:1). He is confident that his trust in God is justified, and he does not want to be disgraced before his enemies (Psalms 25:2). He knows that those who wait on God will not be disgraced; instead, treacherous people will (Psalms 25:3). He believes that those who place their hope in the Lord will not be put to shame. Instead, shame will be the portion of the treacherous, a reversal he anticipates experiencing. This sets the tone for the entire psalm, highlighting David's dependence on God's protection and vindication.
Seeking Guidance and Forgiveness (Psalms 25:4-7)
David then appeals to God for guidance and forgiveness. "Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths" (Psalms 25:4). He trusts in the Lord as the one who delivers (Psalms 25:5) and calls on him to remember his faithful love (Psalms 25:6)—his covenant love—instead of remembering his sins (Psalms 25:7). David appeals to God based on the loyal, loving relationship they shared. The greater his intimacy with God, the greater his dependency on God. The greater his dependency on God, the greater the expectation for intervention and deliverance. He specifically asks God to remember His mercy and steadfast love, attributes that are intrinsic to God's character. David's humility shines through as he acknowledges his "sins of my youth," requesting that God not hold them against him. This echoes the psalm's earlier verses, connecting obedience to God with increased knowledge and less chance of disaster.
God's Character and Covenant (Psalms 25:8-11)
Because of God’s character (the fact that he is good and upright), sinners can learn from him the right way to live (Psalms 25:8). They ought to humble themselves and receive his instruction (Psalms 25:9), rather than proudly assuming they can make it their own way. The Lord’s ways are always good and true, and they are experienced by those who come under the cover of his covenant (Psalms 25:10). Again, David asks God to forgive his iniquity (Psalms 25:11), which could block the flow of covenant blessings. David recognizes the Lord as good, upright, merciful, and loving, and the friend of those who fear him. He acknowledges that God provides knowledge and correction for all people. Those who are willing to listen—those who are not arrogant or stubborn—can learn from God's love and follow His will.
The Blessing of Fearing the Lord (Psalms 25:12-15)
Who is the person who fears the LORD? (Psalms 25:12). To fear God is to take him seriously. This disposition toward God is reflected by our obedience to him. Such a person will live a good life, which includes blessings that lead to internal and external prospering (Psalms 25:13). God rewards those who fear him with his inside information—secret counsel that is particular to the person and his individual experience of God’s covenant (Psalms 25:14). Therefore, David kept his eyes focused on the Lord, confident that he would pull his feet out of the net—that is, deliver him from his enemies (Psalms 25:15). David declares that those who fear the Lord will be guided in the way they should choose, and their descendants will inherit the land. The "friendship" or "secret counsel" of the Lord is for those who fear Him, implying a close, intimate relationship where God reveals His will. David keeps his eyes focused on the Lord, confident that He will deliver him from the traps set by his enemies.
Plea for Deliverance and Redemption (Psalms 25:16-22)
Again, David pleads with God to be gracious in the midst of the affliction brought on by his enemies (Psalms 25:16-19). He petitions the Lord to guard him, and he waits on him to act (Psalms 25:20-21). Yet, the king doesn’t want God to rescue him alone but the whole congregation of Israel (Psalms 25:22). This is a reminder that as we pray for ourselves, we ought to look to the needs of fellow believers. Let us ask God to work through our requests so that he might benefit others, as well. David concludes with a prayer for the redemption of Israel, demonstrating his concern for his people's well-being.
Psalm 25 is a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking God's guidance, confessing our sins, and trusting in His steadfast love. It encourages us to cultivate a relationship with God built on humility, obedience, and a deep reverence for His character. As we navigate the challenges of life, we can find comfort and hope in David's example, knowing that the Lord is always ready to guide, forgive, and deliver those who call upon Him.
Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.
Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.
Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.
Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.
Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.
Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O Lord.
Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.
The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.
All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
For thy name’s sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.
What man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.
His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.
The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.
Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.
The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.
Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.
Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred.
O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.
Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.
Psalm 25 is a heartfelt plea for divine guidance and deliverance, revealing David's deep trust in the Lord amidst life's challenges. This psalm is particularly insightful as it follows an acrostic structure, where each verse (mostly) begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This literary device may have served as a memory aid or emphasized the completeness of David's prayer. In this prayer, David acknowledges life as a challenging journey, one that can only be navigated successfully with the Lord's direction, echoing the sentiment of Proverbs 3:5–6, which emphasizes seeking the Lord's will. David is concerned about his enemies and his own shortcomings, imploring the Lord to deliver him from both.
Trust and Petition (Psalms 25:1-3)
David begins by expressing his unwavering trust in God, declaring, "To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul" (Psalms 25:1). He is confident that his trust in God is justified, and he does not want to be disgraced before his enemies (Psalms 25:2). He knows that those who wait on God will not be disgraced; instead, treacherous people will (Psalms 25:3). He believes that those who place their hope in the Lord will not be put to shame. Instead, shame will be the portion of the treacherous, a reversal he anticipates experiencing. This sets the tone for the entire psalm, highlighting David's dependence on God's protection and vindication.
Seeking Guidance and Forgiveness (Psalms 25:4-7)
David then appeals to God for guidance and forgiveness. "Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths" (Psalms 25:4). He trusts in the Lord as the one who delivers (Psalms 25:5) and calls on him to remember his faithful love (Psalms 25:6)—his covenant love—instead of remembering his sins (Psalms 25:7). David appeals to God based on the loyal, loving relationship they shared. The greater his intimacy with God, the greater his dependency on God. The greater his dependency on God, the greater the expectation for intervention and deliverance. He specifically asks God to remember His mercy and steadfast love, attributes that are intrinsic to God's character. David's humility shines through as he acknowledges his "sins of my youth," requesting that God not hold them against him. This echoes the psalm's earlier verses, connecting obedience to God with increased knowledge and less chance of disaster.
God's Character and Covenant (Psalms 25:8-11)
Because of God’s character (the fact that he is good and upright), sinners can learn from him the right way to live (Psalms 25:8). They ought to humble themselves and receive his instruction (Psalms 25:9), rather than proudly assuming they can make it their own way. The Lord’s ways are always good and true, and they are experienced by those who come under the cover of his covenant (Psalms 25:10). Again, David asks God to forgive his iniquity (Psalms 25:11), which could block the flow of covenant blessings. David recognizes the Lord as good, upright, merciful, and loving, and the friend of those who fear him. He acknowledges that God provides knowledge and correction for all people. Those who are willing to listen—those who are not arrogant or stubborn—can learn from God's love and follow His will.
The Blessing of Fearing the Lord (Psalms 25:12-15)
Who is the person who fears the LORD? (Psalms 25:12). To fear God is to take him seriously. This disposition toward God is reflected by our obedience to him. Such a person will live a good life, which includes blessings that lead to internal and external prospering (Psalms 25:13). God rewards those who fear him with his inside information—secret counsel that is particular to the person and his individual experience of God’s covenant (Psalms 25:14). Therefore, David kept his eyes focused on the Lord, confident that he would pull his feet out of the net—that is, deliver him from his enemies (Psalms 25:15). David declares that those who fear the Lord will be guided in the way they should choose, and their descendants will inherit the land. The "friendship" or "secret counsel" of the Lord is for those who fear Him, implying a close, intimate relationship where God reveals His will. David keeps his eyes focused on the Lord, confident that He will deliver him from the traps set by his enemies.
Plea for Deliverance and Redemption (Psalms 25:16-22)
Again, David pleads with God to be gracious in the midst of the affliction brought on by his enemies (Psalms 25:16-19). He petitions the Lord to guard him, and he waits on him to act (Psalms 25:20-21). Yet, the king doesn’t want God to rescue him alone but the whole congregation of Israel (Psalms 25:22). This is a reminder that as we pray for ourselves, we ought to look to the needs of fellow believers. Let us ask God to work through our requests so that he might benefit others, as well. David concludes with a prayer for the redemption of Israel, demonstrating his concern for his people's well-being.
Psalm 25 is a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking God's guidance, confessing our sins, and trusting in His steadfast love. It encourages us to cultivate a relationship with God built on humility, obedience, and a deep reverence for His character. As we navigate the challenges of life, we can find comfort and hope in David's example, knowing that the Lord is always ready to guide, forgive, and deliver those who call upon Him.