Bible Commentaries

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 (Psalms 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 Psalm 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.

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.

let none. Hebrew "none with (lo; Greek. ou, objective) them". Compare "not", Psalms 25:2.

transgress = act treacherously. Hebrew. bagad.

On = For. Hebrew. ki. Some codices, with Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read Veki, "and for", thus restoring the Vav (consonant), which otherwise is wanting.

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.

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.

teach = direct. The subject of this member.

meek = patient, or good.

in judgment = to be vindicated.

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.

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.

What. ? Figure of speech Erotesis (App-6), to emphasize the worshippers.

man. Hebrew. "ish. App-14.

feareth. = revereth.

His soul = He. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13.

earth = land. Compare Matthew 5:5.

secret = secret counsel.

shew them = cause them to know.

ever toward. Supply Figure of speech Ellipsis (App-6), "ever [looking] toward". It is salutary suspense which keeps us thus looking.

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.

enlarged, &c.: or, troubles have enlarged my heart: i.e. made it more sympathetic.

O bring: or Thou hast brought.

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.

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".

deliver = rescue.

put my trust = flee for refuge. Hebrew. hasah. See App-69. Not the same word as in Psalms 25:1.

Redeem = Deliver: i.e. redeem by putting forth power. Hebrew. padah. See notes on Exodus 13:13.