Psalm 25 Study Notes

25:14 The Hebrew word sod expresses the idea of “confidential,” referring either to the material that is secret or to a “circle of confidants.” Given the parallel of his covenant, it seems better to understand this as the content of God’s secret counsel. God has the right to conceal what he wants (Pr 25:2), but he can also reveal his secret counsel to anyone he chooses. In this case it is revealed to those who fear him (trust in him and are faithful to him).

25:15 Eyes are often used in the context of faith in the sense that a person “looks to” the Lord as his source of help (123:2; 141:8).

25:16 A prayer for God to turn (cp. v. 1) means to look favorably upon one, the opposite of hiding his face (Allen P. Ross).

25:17-19 The Hebrew text of v. 17 is difficult, reading literally “the distresses of my heart, they make wide.” Although the form for “make wide” usually refers to relief from distress (4:1; 18:36), it can also express the meaning of “enlarge,” which would be a figurative expression for increase. This idea is related to numerous enemies who surrounded the psalmist (v. 19).

25:20 Put to shame is similar to “disgrace” (see note at vv. 1-3).

25:21 Integrity and what is right are personified in a similar way as the Lord’s attributes were personified in 23:6. These characteristics will protect those who remain in God’s will (37:37).