1.
Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul.
The second Acrostic Psalm (see App-63 .) The omission of ( Koph ) makes twenty-one letters (7x3) instead of twenty-two, and marks off one verse (Psalms 25:11 ) as central, which is the first confession of sin in the Psalms; thus linking on Repentance to Suffering and Resurrection ( Psa 16:22 ), as in Luke 24:44-47 . The double (Heb. character) (A=Aleph) in Psalms 25:1-2 connects the looking up of the worshipper with the double (Heb. character) (R=Resh) of Psalms 25:18-19 , which speaks of the looking down of Jehovah. These two are linked on to Psalms 25 by the Selah of Psalms 24:10 and Psalms 24:4 . See note on Selah (Psalms 24:10 ).
Title. of David = by David, or pertaining to the true David.
lift up. Psalms 25:1-2 are connected with verses: Psalms 25:18 , Psalms 25:19 , the double Aleph , with the double Resh connecting David's looking up with Jehovah's looking down.
soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .
2.
O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.
I trust = have confided. Hebrew. batah . See App-69 . Not the same word as in Psalms 25:20 .
not. Hebrew. 'al (= Greek. me), subjective. Compare "none", Psalms 25:3 .
ashamed = put to shame. Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause) as a verb. So Psalms 25:20 ; Psalms 31:1 ; Psalms 119:116 , &c.
enemies = foes.
3.
Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.
let none. Hebrew "none with ( lo ; Greek. ou, objective) them". Compare "not", Psalms 25:2 .
transgress = act treacherously. Hebrew. bagad.
4.
Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.
5.
Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.
On = For. Hebrew. ki. Some codices, with Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read Veki, "and for", thus restoring the Vav (consonant), which otherwise is wanting.
6.
Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.
Remember. Note the threefold object of this remembrance in verses: Psalms 25:6 , Psalms 25:7 .
mercies = compassions. Hebrew. raham. Not the same word as in verses: Psalms 25:7 , Psalms 25:16 .
7.
Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD.
sins. Hebrew. chdta'. App-44 .
transgressions. Hebrew. pasha'. App-44 .
mercy = grace. Hebrew. hasad. Not the same word as in verses: Psalms 25:6 , Psalms 25:16 .
8.
Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.
teach = direct. The subject of this member.
9.
The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.
meek = patient, or good.
in judgment = to be vindicated.
10.
All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
such. The redeemed (Psalms 25:22 ) and righteous worshippers are the subject of this Psalm. See note above.
covenant. The first occurrence in the Psalms.
11.
For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.
name's. See note on Psalms 20:1 .
Pardon. This is the first such plea in the Psalms. See note on "Selah" (Psalms 24:10 ). The central verse of this Psalm. Compare Psalms 25:18 .
12.
What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.
What. ? Figure of speech Erotesis ( App-6 ), to emphasize the worshippers.
man. Hebrew. 'ish. App-14 .
feareth . = revereth.
13.
His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.
His soul = He. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .
earth = land. Compare Matthew 5:5 .
14.
The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
secret = secret counsel.
shew them = cause them to know.
15.
Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.
ever toward. Supply Figure of speech Ellipsis ( App-6 ), "ever [looking] toward". It is salutary suspense which keeps us thus looking.
16.
Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.
have mercy upon = show kindness to. Hebrew. hanan. Not the same word as in verses: Psalms 25:6 , Psalms 25:7 .
desolate = [Thine] only One. Hebrew. yachid. See note on Deuteronomy 6:4 . Septuagint = monogenes, only begotten.
17.
The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.
enlarged, &c.: or, troubles have enlarged my heart: i.e. made it more sympathetic.
O bring: or Thou hast brought.
18.
Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.
Look upon. See note on "lift up", Psalms 25:1 .
affliction = humiliation.
forgive = bear away. First occurrence in the Psalms.
sins. Hebrew. chata. App-44 .
19.
Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred.
Consider. Same Hebrew as "look upon", Psalms 25:18 ,
enemies = foes.
cruel hatre d. Hebrew "hatred of violence" = "violent hatred". Ginsburg thinks "hatred without a cause".
20.
O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.
deliver = rescue.
put my trust = flee for refuge. Hebrew. hasah. See App-69 . Not the same word as in Psalms 25:1 .
21.
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.
22.
Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.
Redeem = Deliver: i.e. redeem by putting forth power. Hebrew. padah. See notes on Exodus 13:13 .