Psalms 25:6-16

6 Remember, O LORD, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past.

7 Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O LORD .

8 The LORD is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray.

9 He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way.

10 The LORD leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.

11 For the honor of your name, O LORD, forgive my many, many sins.

12 Who are those who fear the LORD ? He will show them the path they should choose.

13 They will live in prosperity, and their children will inherit the land.

14 The LORD is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant.

15 My eyes are always on the LORD, for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies.

16 Turn to me and have mercy, for I am alone and in deep distress.

Psalms 25:6-16 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.