Psalm 25 – 34. These Psalms form a series that begin and end with acrostic Psalms! Both Psalm 25 and Psalm 34 have 22 verses each, and each verse beginning with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet in sequence.

 

Psalm 25. This is a Psalm of David, and it is characterized as a prayer of the faithful in times of trouble. Prophetically, it gives us the characteristics of the faithful remnant. It especially reveals a dependence and confidence in Jehovah, regarding deliverance, forgiveness, instruction, and moral preservation. This is an acrostic psalm. Psalm 25 is also the first of the penitential psalms, which all have to do with repentance from sin. These Psalms (Psa. 25, 32, 38.41, 51) describe the work of repentance growing deeper in the hearts of the remnant. The faithful confess their sin in Psalm 25, and then can plead their integrity in Psalm 26. There is a moral order in this. Once the issue of sin is dealt with, the soul is free to call out for deliverance from enemies, as those who take the place of the righteous in the midst of evil.

 

 

vv.1-3 Confidence and Dependence. The first verse of the Psalm characterizes the whole; i.e. a lifting up the soul to Jehovah, of placing hopes and confidence in Him. In v.2, the psalmist expresses confidence “My God, I confide in thee” followed by a prayer that his confidence not be disappointed “let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me”. Prophetically, the faithful remnant will have many enemies, including the Mother of Harlots and her children, those who dwell on the earth, and those who follow Antichrist. In v.3 there is an expression of confidence that the faithful will not be ashamed (disappointed by the Lord), but the wicked can count on it.

 

 

vv.4-7 Prayer for Guidance and Kindness. The faithful pray for instruction in the paths of Jehovah (v.4), help to walk faithfully in the truth (v.6), mercy and kindness in the forgiveness of past sins and transgressions (vv.6-7). Notice that the faithful do not present their own goodness as the ground of God’s forgiveness, but rather “for thy goodness’ sake, Jehovah”. Here the confession would embrace the personal sins of an earlier time; “the sins of my youth” (c.p. v.11).

 

 

vv.8-15 Jehovah’s goodness and righteousness in dealing with the faithful. These verses speak of the goodness and faithfulness of God in dealing with the saints, referred to as “the meek” (see Matt. 5:5). First, the Lord will instruct those who are humble (vv.8-9). Second, He will show kindness to the faithful (v.10). Third, He will forgive the repentant (v.11). Notice that the basis for forgiveness is “for thy name’s sake, O Jehovah”. The remnant does not yet understand the finished work of Christ, but they do know Jehovah’s name. Later they can plead the work of Christ (Isa. 53), but early on they did not yet understand that. Instead they plead what they know; the grace of Jehovah’s Person. The sin referred to is more current, and more individual (c.p. v.7). Fourth, He will grant special discernment and guidance to those who fear Jehovah! This last principle is extremely valuable. The Lord reveals hidden things, not to those with great intellect, but to those who fear Him. An example of this in the New Testament is the Thessalonians. But prophetically this would be the faithful remnant who receive special direction from the Lord to avoid traps and pitfalls. If the focus is right, there will be guidance; “Mine eyes are ever toward Jehovah; for he will bring my feet out of the net”.

 

 

vv.16-22 The inmost desires of the remnant. The psalmist then begins to pour out his soul in great earnestness. He reveals his great desires: for deliverance from great trouble and affliction (vv.16-17), for compassion and forgiveness (v.18), for deliverance from cruel enemies (v.19), for preservation of the soul (vv.20-21), and for the redemption from Israel as a whole out of troubles (v.22).