Psalms 25:16

16 (24-16) Look thou upon me, and have mercy on me; for I am alone and poor.

Psalms 25:16 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 25:16

Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me
Or "look unto me", or "upon me" F6; which suggests that the Lord had turned himself, and hid his face from him; and expresses a desire that he would look upon him with a look of love and mercy, and arise to help and deliver him out of the hands of his enemies; he pleads no merits nor works of righteousness of his, but casts himself upon the mercy of God;

for I [am] desolate and afflicted;
or "alone and poor" F7; not that he was quite alone, and had none with him; for though he was obliged to quit his palace, and the city of Jerusalem, yet he was accompanied by his servants, and a large number of his people; and could not be poor, in a literal sense, being king of Israel; yet he put no trust in men, nor in riches, but wholly depended on the Lord, as if he had none with him, nor anything to subsist with: and his case was indeed very deplorable, and called for pity and assistance; his own son was risen up against him, and the hearts of the men of Israel went after him; and he was obliged to flee from the city, and leave his house and family.


FOOTNOTES:

F6 (yla hnp) "respice ad me", Montanus, Musculus, Junius & Tremellius
F7 (ynew dyhy) "solitarius et pauper", Junius & Tremellius; "et miser", Gejerus, Michaelis; so Ainsworth.

Psalms 25:16 In-Context

14 (24-14) The Lord is a firmament to them that fear him: and his covenant shall be made manifest to them.
15 (24-15) My eyes are ever towards the Lord: for he shall pluck my feet out of the snare.
16 (24-16) Look thou upon me, and have mercy on me; for I am alone and poor.
17 (24-17) The troubles of my heart are multiplied: deliver me from my necessities.
18 (24-18) See my abjection and my labour; and forgive me all my sins.
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