Psalms 25:1-10

1 Aleph Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul.

2 Beth O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not my enemies triumph over me.

3 Gimel Yea, none that wait on thee shall be ashamed; those which rebel without cause shall be ashamed.

4 Daleth Show me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.

5 He Cause me to walk in thy truth and teach me: for thou art the God of my saving health; I have waited for thee all the day.

6 Vau Remember, O LORD, thy compassion and thy mercies, for they have been ever of old.

7 Zain Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my rebellions; according to thy mercy remember me for thy goodness’ sake, O LORD.

8 Cheth Good and upright is the LORD: therefore he will teach sinners in the way.

9 Teth He will cause the humble to pass through the judgment, and the meek he will teach his way.

10 Jod All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

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.