Psalms 25:1-11

1 (24-1) <Unto the end, a psalm for David.> To thee, O Lord, have I lifted up my soul.

2 (24-2) In thee, O my God, I put my trust; let me not be ashamed.

3 (24-3) Neither let my enemies laugh at me: for none of them that wait on thee shall be confounded.

4 (24-4) Let all them be confounded that act unjust things without cause. Shew, O Lord, thy ways to me, and teach me thy paths.

5 (24-5) Direct me in thy truth, and teach me; for thou art God my Saviour; and on thee have I waited all the day long.

6 (24-6) Remember, O Lord, thy bowels of compassion; and thy mercies that are from the beginning of the world.

7 (24-7) The sins of my youth and my ignorances do not remember. According to thy mercy remember thou me: for thy goodness’ sake, O Lord.

8 (24-8) The Lord is sweet and righteous: therefore he will give a law to sinners in the way.

9 (24-9) He will guide the mild in judgment: he will teach the meek his ways.

10 (24-10) All the ways of the Lord are mercy and truth, to them that seek after his covenant and his testimonies.

11 (24-11) For thy name’s sake, O Lord, thou wilt pardon my sin: for it is great.

Psalms 25:1-11 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.