Psalms 25 - Introduction

A.M. 2987. B.C. 1017.

This is the first of those seven Psalms which are composed in the alphabetical, or acrostic form, according to which every verse begins with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet, in their order of succession. But even in this form, which seems particularly guarded against mistakes, several mistakes appear to have been made by transcribers, three of the letters being now wanting, and not the last verse, but the last but one, beginning with ת , tau, the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This Psalm seems to have been composed by David when he was in great distress, probably on account of his sin in the matter of Uriah; because, in all his distresses before that event, he speaks with great confidence in his innocence, but after it, with great humility, contrition, and sometimes dejection, as he does here. In his distress, however, he takes refuge in God, Psalms 25:1. Shows the goodness of God to them that fear him, Psalms 25:8. Prays for help against his enemies, and for the church.