Psalm 25 — Passionate Petitions

25 Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.

2 O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.

3 Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.

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.

6 Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.

7 Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O Lord.

8 Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.

9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.

10 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

11 For thy name’s sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.

12 What man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.

13 His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.

14 The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.

15 Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.

16 Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.

17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.

18 Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.

19 Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred.

20 O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.

21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.

22 Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.

The first time I ever saw emergency roadside phone boxes was on a toll road south of Chicago. As a child, I was fascinated with the prospect that our car could break down along this road, and we could call for help from a phone provided by a “higher power”…for free! I was sure the nice person on the other end of the call would send help if we needed it. Psalm 25 is for those on a journey who are prone to break down. Each verse is like a phone box with a line to heaven. Just call and help is on the way!

Psalm 25 is one of nine acrostic Psalms in the Psalter. The twenty-two verses begin with the twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet (note: a couple of slight variations). The Psalmist designed the acrostic structure, which may be the only real structure for the Psalm. For convenience, we will follow the voice changes (2nd — 3rd — 2nd) to outline this poem/prayer: I. (vv.1–7) Petitions for protection and guidance; II. (vv. 8–15) Petition for pardon; III. (vv. 16–22) Petition for preservation.

The setting for the Psalm is obscure, which produces a general opinion that this is a literary compilation. The presence of enemies (vv. 2, 3, 19) is common to David, which means it could be any number of scenarios in his life. The tone of intimacy here and in the subsequent fourteen Psalms indicates a grouping of very personal laments and prayers of confidence.

There are a number of themes running through the Psalm, and the theological observations are also prodigious. Another feature of note is David’s penitent spirit. Sin has been a prevalent idea in previous Psalms, but now David is making a personal confession. The Psalm begins with trouble and ends with trouble, which sets apart the theme of “waiting (vv. 3, 5, 21).” Because of the covenant (vv. 6, 7, 10, 14), the way/path (vv. 4, 5, 8, 9, 10) is marked by petitions (vv. 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 16–20, 22) for deliverance (vv. 5, 15, 17, 20, 21, 22), with trust (v. 2) in YHWH’s guidance (vv. 4, 5, 9) and forgiveness (vv. 7, 11, 18). The message is for those who fear God to trust YHWH for deliverance from internal enemies (sin) and external enemies by petitioning and waiting for Him.

David presented himself to YHWH (v. 1). YHWH is Lord. The approach is to one God, for “you shall have no other gods beside me.” My soul is the suppliant’s total self. To lift up means to cast one’s hope upon another in a higher position. Christians offer themselves as living sacrifices, dependent on God to do with our lives what He wills.

David claimed allegiance to YHWH and his need for YHWH’s protection (v. 2). YHWH is El, the mighty God. Trust in Him is demonstrated by the plethora of petitions offered in confident prayer. I turn to my God when my enemies position themselves over me. Being ashamed is a theme from the beginning to the end of the Psalm. One desire of the Psalmist is to avoid shame.

David contrasted two groups of people, the shamed and the unashamed (v. 3). Shame is one evil objective for those who set their traps for God’s anointed, but the enemies’ ironic fate is to be shamed in their own traps. The point of trust is to wait for YHWH to protect His name. Those who take His name as their own will not suffer ultimate shame. Humiliation in the world is for a time; but those who suffer affliction, for His name, will be presented by Christ before the angels of heaven.

David petitioned for knowledge of YHWH’s path (v. 4). The theme of the journey is introduced. Already the dangers of traveling this path are evident (vv. 2–3). The passionate petitions here are complements to Psalm 1, where contrasting roads are initially presented. The way of the wicked is the way of the world, but the way of the righteous is the path of the Lord. God’s ways must be learned, so the petition for education is made, “Make me know…Teach me.” The believer grows in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life…(John 14:6a).”

David petitioned for truth from YHWH, who delivers those who wait for Him (v. 5). The supplicant lifts himself before the God of my salvation. The request is for education in the path of truth. The truth that is in Christ Jesus is the truth that sets free the captives to sin and death. Sin and death are enemies to those who fear God. This duo betrays those who are friends with the world. When one trusts Christ for salvation, he becomes a friend of God and an enemy of the world. Jesus said, “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you (Jn 15:18).” Waiting on the Lord all the day means it is a continuous process of trust in who will lead me and teach me along the way. The true follower says, “To whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

David requested YHWH remember His promised actions (v. 6). YHWH is the God of covenants. He has made covenant promises from of old, “I will have compassion,” and “I have loved you.” The petition to remember these promises is confidence by the Psalmist in the faithful Word of God. YHWH’s compassion is mingled in His mercy, “I will have mercy.” In this, He sent His Son to enter into human suffering (compassion), and in whose blood a new covenant has been cut. The agreement solidifies the partners in the covenant declaration, “I will be your God and you shall be my people.” In this new covenant another promise was made, “I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more (Jer. 31:34).”

David requested YHWH forget his past and current sins while remembering His covenant goodness (v. 7). The petition calls on the covenant relationship of promise and trust. David is saying, “Forget my sin but do not forget about me!” Sins of the past, sins of my youth, are included with current transgressions. Sin is the greatest of all evils. It plagues us from the beginning. Satan manipulates sin in our lives, always accusing or excusing us. Our sin is our shame and stain. YHWH is given a reason for forgetting our sin and disposing our shame, for Thy goodness sake. Our shame will ruin His name. He is holy, but we fail at holiness. Hence, our need is for a Savior. To allow sinners into His presence would ruin the fame of His name, “I am holy.” His name, “I am just,” is ruined if one sinner was permitted access. Christ’s payment for the sins of His people reveals justice and opens our access to holiness.

As our first section ends, you will note the change in voice from the second person direct address (David to YHWH) to a 3rd person narrative on the attributes of God. In this second section (vv. 8–15), we observe one direct petition for pardon in v. 11. Some see this as the center point of a chiasm, but it is hard to accept this considering the potpourri of themes scattered in the text.

David listed two characteristics of YHWH and one action (v. 8). YHWH is good. This is an inherent attribute of God. It may not seem integral to us, but it is important to recognize in the pantheon of gods, not all of them were good. Invariably, on mission to Africa the refrain is heard, “God is good all the time and all the time God is good.” YHWH is also upright. His righteousness informs His justice, for “He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him (Ps. 92:15).” Every action of God comes with integrity.

David has already grouped himself with the sinners (v. 7). YHWH instructs sinners in the way. There are two categories of sinners, considering all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23): first, unrepentant sinners, who have no interest in the teachings of YHWH; second, humble repentant sinners, who fear YHWH and know they need Him to save them. The earlier petition, teach and lead me, is now a statement of fact.

David identified the beneficiaries of YHWH’s guidance (v. 9). He leads and teaches the humble in the way to justice. The humble confess their sins and accept the provisional payment for their sins, provided by the merciful Judge, “God sent His only begotten Son…an atonement for sin.” The possessive pronoun, “His” way, distinguishes God’s path from the way of the wicked world. The disciple knows there is only one way to God the Father. Here is the exclusive claim of Christianity that repulses many and for which only few rejoice. But again, they have reason to rejoice, “For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God (Rom 8:14).”

David identified the benefits of the path of YHWH for those who keep it (v. 10). Obeying the covenant conditions is the way of love and truth. Jesus Christ, alone, kept the way and is identified as faithful and true. This is covenant love: keeping the commandments, which are true. Those who are “in Christ” share in the spiritual blessings afforded by Jesus’ obedience in His life, death, resurrection, and ascension, for He said, “I always do the things that are pleasing to my Father (Jn 8:29).” Paul said, “Our ambition is to please Him (2 Cor 5:9).” Without faith in Christ, it is impossible to please Him (Heb. 11:6), “and those who are in the flesh cannot please God (Rom 8:8).”

David petitioned YHWH for a pardon for a good reason (v. 11). Pardon (Heb. salah) is more than forgiveness (Heb. olam). The confession comes with the qualifier “great” iniquity. The humble know the truth of this fact. The argument for pardon is, “For Thy name’s sake, YHWH.” Those who love the Lord desire no opportunity for sin to shame YHWH’s name. His name is His reputation. His slaves bear His name. Their disgrace is to His disgrace. The momentary interruption in the narrative is over. More explanation for the way is forthcoming.

David explained the advantage for someone who reveres YHWH (v. 12). There is a man who should “fear” God and be afraid. There is another who “fears” God and worships Him. The question produces a list of benefits. The Holy Spirit, our Teacher, instructs on the way of life. The proverbial fork in the road is ever-present, and the child of God must choose life with every decision. Our culture is obsessed with death (ie. skulls on my pajamas!), and the symbols of death point to the mind set of those on the way to death and destruction. Their motto, “No Fear,” unfortunately includes God. Unbeknownst to them, they have much to fear.

David expressed covenant benefits for those who fear God (v. 13). His whole being dwells in good. The allusion is to the Abrahamic Covenant blessing in Genesis 12:1–3. The seed of Abraham was to inherit the land of promise (Canaan), and a material blessing was included. Israel was instructed in the covenant commandments, which revealed the character of God. This should have compelled them to worship, and for some it did. However, the warning was to avoid idols. This was Israel’s historic tragedy, the curse of disobedience. By contrast, Christ was victorious in His course. In Christ, all the spiritual blessings are available for His people.

David expounded on the benefit of YHWH’s revelation (v. 14). At Horeb, the Lord said to Moses, “Assemble the people to Me, that I may let them hear My words so they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children (Deut 4:10.” The secret of the Lord has been revealed to those humbled in repentance and fully trusting in the Word of God revealed to them. “God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in may portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son…(Heb. 1:1–2).”

The Gospel (Eph 6:19) of Jesus Christ (Eph 3:4) is the mystery of faith (1 Tim 3:9). The promise is He will make them know His covenant. The mystery is unveiled when an elect soul receives regeneration by the Holy Spirit. The justified and adopted child of God is, “knitted together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col 2:2–3).”

David looked forward to YHWH’s deliverance from danger (v. 15). While the disciple waits, he keeps His eyes focused on Jesus, the author and perfector of His faith. The snares of the devil are set everywhere for the child of God to be immobilized in his part in the global commission. The Christian walk sometimes finds us trapped by circumstances of sin. Enemies encircle, closing in for the kill, but He will pluck my feet out of the net. Jesus Christ saves His people from the wiley schemes of the self-proclaimed ruler of this world.

The shift in voice again bridges the structural points. We have heard much of YHWH’s prowess to protect, pardon, and guide on paths of righteousness. Our final section is a petitional plea, most passionate, to put faith into action.

David petitioned YHWH to relieve his perceived estrangement (v. 16). The feeling of abandonment is common to David. Sin separates, but grace draws one near to God. The request is for God to turn and be gracious, but we know the necessary part has been played by David. He has turned to God, alone, for help in his lonely affliction. Turn to God and trust He will turn to you.

David petitioned YHWH to relieve his broken heart (v. 17). Troubles of the heart are natural in a world of trouble. We talk about stress and David distress. The heart is the organ of the body most pained by stress. When it really gets us, we call it heart disease, another side-effect of sin.

David petitioned YHWH to forgive his sins and remove his regrets (v. 18). “You need to get your heart right with God,” was a common statement by others before I trusted Christ. My trouble and my afflictions were intimately connected with my sins. The heart regrets the sins of the past and grieves the sins of the present. Sin leads to death. “Who will deliver me from this body of death?” was Paul’s question. Only one has defeated death, and His name is Jesus Christ.

David petitioned YHWH to consider his fearsome rivals (v. 19). The enemies of David in Psalm 25 are unknown because of the unknown setting. This helps us bridge the context to our own day, however. The enemies of God are the enemies of God’s people. The world hates Christians because we expose evil (Eph 5:11) in the world. The light of truth is like sword that cuts through to the truth about all things. Sin hates exposure. The Gospel is nothing and Christ is nothing, if sin is not understood by the sinner. It is a violent hatred. The Muslim slaughter of Christians in the Philippines, Indonesia, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, and Nigeria is well documented in this year alone. They kill you thinking they do service to God.

David petitioned YHWH for salvation and protection (v. 20). The argument closes where it began. The penitent Psalmist has made his request for protection, “guard my soul,” for salvation, “deliver me,” for reputation, “Do not let me be ashamed,” and for preservation, “for I take refuge in Thee.” David petitioned YHWH to preserve him while he waited for Him (v. 21). The catalysts are integrity and uprightness. These qualities of God’s character must be imputed in the righteousness reckoned by Christ to His people. Therefore, we are encouraged to do right, and do truth in anticipation of Jesus Christ coming to judge the living and the dead, or as Peter wrote, “But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God (1 Pet 2:20).” Trust, petition, and wait is the Psalmist’s advice by example.

David petitioned YHWH to include the whole nation in His plan of salvation (v. 22). Moses said, “For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as is the Lord our God whenever we call on Him (Deut 4:7).” Israel has always been in trouble in the world, but YHWH, the God of Israel is near to His people. Israel has a Redeemer, who is Christ the Lord. May all your troubles be passionately petitioned to Him who is near, who hears and answers, and who is mighty to save.

David Norczyk

Spokane Valley, Washington

June 14, 2021