Psalm 25:1-22
Q.1. What were David’s circumstances? What was his request from the Lord? What qualities of God did he recall and rely on? Why was this so important for him? (Ps.25:1-11)
David feared that his enemies would triumph over him. He was also very aware of his own sin and failure, so he prayed – Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; According to Your lovingkindness remember me, for Your goodness’ sake, O Lord … For Your name’s sake, O Lord, pardon my iniquity, for it is great (Ps.25:7 & 11). He was vulnerable, so asked that he should not be shamed by his sin, because he was waiting on the Lord (Ps.25.1-3). Under these circumstances, he earnestly requested – 4 Make me know Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. 5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all day (Ps.25:4-5). He was drawn to the qualities in the Lord that he most needed, and pleaded – 6 Remember, O Lord, Your compassion and Your loving kindnesses, for they have been from of old. 7 … According to Your lovingkindness remember me, for Your goodness’ sake, O Lord (Ps.25:6-7). He also longed to become more like God, and to better reflect His character. He declared – 8 Good and upright is the Lord; Therefore, He instructs sinners in the way. 9 He leads the humble in justice, and He teaches the humble His way. 10 All the paths of the Lord are lovingkindness and truth to those who keep His covenant and His testimonies (Ps.25:8-10). David recognized his own frailty and sinfulness of heart. He knew that only with God’s help could he be pleasing to Him. All honest children of God will identify with this knowledge of their own imperfections.
Q.2. How did David want these truths about God to apply to others? What is the benefit for those who fear God? What example did David leave, by the way he faced his sins and troubles? – (Ps.25:12-22)
David was a great prophet who took every opportunity to turn his insights into songs which would help his people to grow in godliness. He asked – Who is the man who fears the Lord? God will instruct him in the way he should choose (Ps.25:12). He acknowledged that he and his descendants would inherit God’s promised blessings. For Israel it was a land (Ps.25:13 c.f. Gen.15:7, 18-21). For us there are spiritual blessings in heavenly places (Eph.2:6-7; 3:14-21). Intimacy with God is promised to those who fear Him, since – The secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He will make them know His covenant (Ps.25:14). How astounding it is, for us to have the wisdom of God residing in us, through the indwelling Holy Spirit of God (c.f. 2 Cor.1:20-22; Eph.1:13-14)! At that time David was stressed and prayed – 16 Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. 17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged; Bring me out of my distresses (Ps.25:16-17). He was overwhelmed as he considered his many enemies and cried – 18 Look upon my affliction and my trouble and forgive all my sins. 19 Look upon my enemies, for they are many, and they hate me with violent hatred. 20 Guard my soul and deliver me; Do not let me be ashamed, for I take refuge in You (Ps.25:18-20). Nonetheless, David was trusting God in spite of his circumstances – For I wait for You (Ps.25:21). Similarly, Israel could rely on God to – Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles (Ps.25:22).