Psalms 25

Ps 25 This individual lament includes instruction in wisdom and a community lament; it begins and ends with an affirmation of trust in the Lord (25:1-3, 15-22). The psalmist prays for guidance (25:4-7) and encourages the godly to practice a lifestyle of wisdom (25:12-14). In addition to the enemies who trouble him, the psalmist confesses his sins (25:7, 11, 18) as part of his anguish. Trust develops with understanding God’s character: He is compassionate, faithful, and good (25:8-10).25:1-3 The psalmist expresses confidence that the godly will be vindicated and his enemies will not succeed (see 25:15-22).25:1 The psalmist commits himself to the Lord instead of to idols (see 24:3-4).

25:2 Enemies would rejoice by singing a victory song.

25:4-7 In this prayer for guidance, compassion, and forgiveness, the psalmist turns to the Lord for instruction in wisdom. He confesses his past failures and acknowledges that his hope lies with his merciful Savior.25:4-6 The right path, the path of wisdom (see 5:8), means being open to instruction that leads to life (27:11; 43:3; 73:24; 119:12).

25:5 Biblical hope does not mean wishing for an event to turn out favorably. Hope trusts the Lord’s will and gives the courage to face disappointments (33:22; 130:5).

25:6 compassion: See also 51:1; 57:1; 103:8.

25:8-10 The Lord keeps his people close to himself.

25:11 The psalmist again asks forgiveness for his many sins (25:7; 32:1-5). The sins of Israel’s kings demonstrated the weaknesses inherent in David’s dynasty and the reasons for its failure in Old Testament Israel (see Ps 89).

25:12-15 Those who fear the Lord will receive further instruction and experience God’s presence (25:14) and blessing (25:13).

25:13 prosperity: See 23:6. • inherit the land: Unlike the wicked, who will perish (1:6), the godly have a secure future. In the end, God will bless them, and their blessings will endure (see 37:9, 11, 22, 29, 34; Isa 57:13; Matt 5:5).

25:15-22 The psalmist expresses confidence in the Lord, commits to a life of integrity, and prays for rescue.25:15 the traps of my enemies: See 5:9-10; 31:4; 140:5; Prov 3:26.

25:17-18 The psalmist can find no relief (see 4:1; 13:1-2) as his problems go from bad to worse. He associates his anguish with sin, but he does not elaborate on the nature of his sin (see 25:7, 11).

25:19-20 Knowing that the Lord hates violent people (see 11:5), the psalmist pleads with God to deal with these enemies.

25:21 Just as it opened, the psalm closes with a commitment of trust and hope (see 9:18; 25:5).