Psalms 25:1-10

1 My head is high, God, held high;

2 I'm looking to you, God; No hangdog skulking for me.

3 I've thrown in my lot with you; You won't embarrass me, will you? Or let my enemies get the best of me? Don't embarrass any of us Who went out on a limb for you. It's the traitors who should be humiliated.

4 Show me how you work, God; School me in your ways.

5 Take me by the hand; Lead me down the path of truth. You are my Savior, aren't you?

6 Mark the milestones of your mercy and love, God; Rebuild the ancient landmarks!

7 Forget that I sowed wild oats; Mark me with your sign of love. Plan only the best for me, God!

8 God is fair and just; He corrects the misdirected, Sends them in the right direction.

9 He gives the rejects his hand, And leads them step-by-step.

10 From now on every road you travel Will take you to God. Follow the Covenant signs; Read the charted directions.

Psalms 25:1-10 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 25

\\<<[A Psalm] of David>>\\. This is the first of the psalms which is written in an alphabetical order, or in which the first word of every verse begins with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet in order, though it is not strictly and regularly observed; the reason of this manner of writing is not very obvious; the {r} Jews confess their ignorance of it; it may be to engage the attention to what is said, or to assist the memory in laying it up, and retaining it there. The occasion of the psalm seems to be the troubles David was in on account of an unnatural rebellion raised against him by some of his subjects, at the head of which was his own son Absalom; he speaks of himself as in a net, and in great affliction, distress, and trouble, by reason of his enemies, Ps 25:15-18; and as being brought to a sense of his former sins, for which he desires pardon, Ps 25:7,11. {r} Kimchi in loc.