Psalms 25
DOYLYPsalms 25:4
- — who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity.] That is, he who hath not put his trust in false gods. Bp. Lowth.
Psalms 25:5
- — righteousness] By this word here is meant a just recompense. Bp. Wilson.
Psalms 25:6
- — thy face, O Jacob.] Or rather, as in the margin, “Thy face, O God of Jacob.” Bp. Hare. See the note on Psalm xvii. 15. The Israelites were required to worship at the sanctuary of God three times a year. Bp. Lowth.
Psalms 25:7
- Lift up &c.] We may now conceive the procession to have arrived at the gates of the tabernacle. While the ark is brought in, the Levites, divided into two choirs, sing alternately the remainder of the Psalm. Indeed it is not impossible that this mode of singing was pursued through every part of the ode; but towards the conclusion the fact will not admit of a doubt. Bp. Lowth. The lifting up the head is an image adapted to a porcellus; the head of which, as it is lifted, rises up conspicuous above the gate. Mudge.
We learn from this Psalm, that God, who created the earth, is the supreme and Almighty King thereof, and that his glory and power ought to be celebrated for ever; also, that those only will be admitted into the presence of the Lord who walk uprightly, who are sincere and faithful in all their behaviour, who avoid fraud and deceit, who call upon the Lord and seek his face. Ostervald.
Psalm XXV. David seems to have written this Psalm after the commission of some grievous sin, or in some great distress; which brought to mind all the offences of his youth, and made him earnestly beseech God to pardon them, and to deliver him from his enemies. Travell.
Ver. 3. – let them be ashamed &c.] Pour shame upon the face of those which rise up against me spitefully, without any just cause or provocation on my part. Bp. Holt.
Psalms 25:8
- — teach sinners in the way.] That is, penitent sinners. Dr. Wells.
Psalms 25:9
- The meek will he guide &c.] He will never fail to assist and direct in the ways of virtue, those who are truly humbled before Him for their sins. Dr. Hammond.
Psalms 25:10
- All the paths &c.] They, who observe and keep his commandments, will find abundant goodness and faithfulness in the ways of the Lord, who will order all things for their good. Travell, Bp. Patrick.
Psalms 25:12
- – that he shall choose.] That he ought to choose. Dr. Kennicott.
Psalms 25:14
- The secret of the Lord &c.] The counsel and covenant of the Lord to them that fear Him, is to make known or reveal to them his will. Dr. Hammond. Or by the word “secret,” may be meant, God’s love and favour, which is called his “secret,” Job xxix. 4; Prov. iii. 32; and that very fifty, because it is known to none but him that enjoys it. Poole.