Psalms 25:1-6

Of David.

1 [a]In you, LORD my God, I put my trust.
2 I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.
3 No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.
4 Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths.
5 Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.

Psalms 25:1-6 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.

Cross References 9

  • 1. Psalms 86:4; Psalms 143:8
  • 2. Psalms 31:6; Psalms 143:8; Psalms 41:11
  • 3. S Psalms 22:5; S Isaiah 29:22; Isaiah 49:23
  • 4. Isaiah 24:16; Habakkuk 1:13; Zephaniah 3:4; 2 Timothy 3:4
  • 5. S Job 34:32; Exodus 33:13
  • 6. Psalms 31:3; Psalms 43:3; John 16:13
  • 7. Psalms 24:5
  • 8. ver 3; Psalms 33:20; Psalms 39:7; Psalms 42:5; Psalms 71:5; Psalms 130:7; Psalms 131:3
  • 9. Psalms 5:7; Psalms 98:3; Psalms 103:17; Isaiah 63:7,15; Jeremiah 31:20; Hosea 11:8

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. This psalm is an acrostic poem, the verses of which begin with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet.
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