Psalm 25:3

3 For none of them that wait on thee shall in any wise be ashamed: let them be ashamed that transgress without cause.

Psalm 25:3 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 25:3

Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed
David not only prays for himself, but for other saints, as it becomes the people of God to do; for them they waited on the Lord in public worship, attended his house and ordinances, and waited on him for the discoveries of his love, the enjoyment of his voracious presence, and were looking for his salvation, for the Messiah; for those the psalmist prays, that they might not be ashamed of their expectation and hope, by the delay of those things, or the denial them;

let them be ashamed which transgress without cause;
or "act treacherously without cause" ^F23; as David's subjects did, who were risen up in rebellion against him, and acted the perfidious part, contrary to their allegiance, and without any just reason, they not being ruled with rigour, and oppressed; but were guided and governed by him according to the laws of God, in the integrity of his heart, and by the skilfulness of his hands; he being a king that reigned in righteousness, and a prince that decreed judgment: and such are those who are now risen up against our rightful sovereign King George ^F24, a parcel of perfidious treacherous wretches; some of them who were in the last rebellion, and obtained his father's pardon; others that have partook yearly of his royal bounty, for the instruction of their children; and all have enjoyed the blessings of his mild and gentle government; and therefore are without cause his enemies: and for such we should pray, as David did for his enemies, that they might be ashamed; that they may fail in their attempts and designs, and be brought to deserved punishment; see ( Psalms 7:4 ) ; or "let transgressors be ashamed", and be empty ^F25; in a state of emptiness and want; lose their wealth, honour, and credit.

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FOOTNOTES:

F23 (Mydgwbh) "qui perfide agunt", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Cocceius, Michaelis; so Amama & Ainsworth.
F24 This was written December 2, 1745.
F25 (Mqyr) "in statu vacuitatis ac egestatis", Gussetius, p. 790.

Psalm 25:3 In-Context

1 To thee, O Lord, have I lifted up my soul.

2 O my God, I have trusted in thee: let me not be confounded, neither let mine enemies laugh me to scorn.

3 For none of them that wait on thee shall in any wise be ashamed: let them be ashamed that transgress without cause.

4 Shew me thy ways, O Lord; and teach me thy paths.

5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art God my Saviour: and I have waited on thee all the day.

6 Remember thy compassions, O Lord, and thy mercies, for they are from everlasting.

7 Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my sins of ignorance: remember me according to thy mercy, for thy goodness’ sake, O Lord.

8 Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will he instruct sinners in the way.

9 The meek will he guide in judgment: the meek will he teach his ways.

10 All the ways of the Lord are mercy and truth to them that seek his covenant and his testimonies.

11 For thy name’s sake, O Lord, do thou also be merciful to my sin; for it is great.

12 Who is the man that fears the Lord? he shall instruct him in the way which he has chosen.

13 His soul shall dwell in prosperity; and his seed shall inherit the earth.

14 The Lord is the strength of them that fear him; and his covenant is to manifest truth to them.

15 Mine eyes are continually to the Lord; for he shall draw my feet out of the snare.

16 Look upon me, and have mercy upon me; for I am an only child and poor.

17 The afflictions of my heart have been multiplied; deliver me from my distresses.

18 Look upon mine affliction and my trouble; and forgive all my sins.

19 Look upon mine enemies; for they have been multiplied; and they have hated me with unjust hatred.

20 Keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I have hoped in thee.

21 The harmless and upright joined themselves to me: for I waited for thee, O Lord.

22 Deliver Israel, O God, out of all his afflictions.