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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 25:1-7

Here we have David's professions of desire towards God and dependence on him. He often begins his psalms with such professions, not to move God, but to move himself, and to engage himself to answer those professions. I. He professes his desire towards God: Unto thee, O Lord! do I lift up my soul, Ps. 25:1. In the foregoing psalm (Ps. 24:4) it was made the character of a good man that he has not lifted up his soul to vanity; and a call was given to the everlasting gates to lift up their heads... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 25:1

Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. Either "in prayer", as the Chaldee paraphrase adds F19 So Kimchi & Ben Melech. ; and denotes sincere, affectionate, hearty prayer to God, a drawing nigh to him with a true heart: for unless the heart is lifted up, the lifting up of the eyes or hands in prayer is of no avail; see Lamentations 3:41 ; or by way of offering to the Lord, as some Jewish writers F20 R. Moseh in Aben Ezra in loc. interpret it; David not only presented his... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 25:1

Do I lift up my soul - His soul was cast down, and by prayer and faith he endeavours to lift it up to God. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 25:1

Verse 1 1.Unto thee, O Jehovah! etc The Psalmist declares at the very outset, that he is not driven hither and thither, after the manner of the ungodly, but that he directs all his desires and prayers to God alone. Nothing is more inconsistent with true and sincere prayer to God, than to waver and gaze about as the heathen do, for some help from the world; and at the same time to forsake God, or not to betake ourselves directly to his guardianship and protection. Those who imagine that David... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 25:1

Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift; up my soul (comp. Psalms 86:4 ; Psalms 143:8 ). The Hebrew phrase does not mean a temporary raising of the heart to God, but a permanent setting of the affections on him (see Deuteronomy 24:15 ; and comp. Psalms 24:4 ). Psalms 25:2 . O my God, I trust in thee (comp. Psalms 7:1 ; Psalms 11:1 ; Psalms 31:1-24 . I, 6, etc.). Let me not be ashamed ; i.e. do not disappoint my trust, and thereby bring me to shame (comp. Job 6:20 ). Let... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 25:1-7

Onward and upward. There are different stages in the life of godliness. Hence experiences vary. Some are but babes, others are strong men. Some have only started in the race, others are nearing the goal. Some have only put on their armour, while others have borne themselves bravely in many a fight and are waiting the crown. Some have only entered by the wicket-gate, while others have gone through most of their pilgrimage; they have climbed the Hill Difficulty, have passed safely through... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 25:1-7

Trust in God. "Belongs probably to the time of the Exile. Its prevailing thought is that God is the Teacher of the afflicted and the Guide of the erring; and this is constantly repeated, either in the way of statement or of prayer." The first seven verses contain three things. I. ASPIRING TRUST IN GOD . ( Psalms 25:1-3 .) Seeking, drawn towards, lifting himself up towards God, waiting upon him,—all signify the earnest, confident trust in God, which is the highest act of the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 25:1-22

The metrical arrangement is not very marked. Some divide the psalm into five unequal strophes— Psalms 9:1-7 , Psalms 9:8-10 , Psalms 9:11-15 , verses 16-21, and verse 22; others see no divisions beyond those of the Hebrew verses, which are followed in our Authorized Bible. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 25:1-22

Prayer: its warrant, petitions, and arguments. It is thought by some that this prayer belongs to the Exile period; but by whomsoever it may have been penned, or at whatsoever age, matters little. There is nothing in it which depends on known historic incident £ for its elucidation. And whoever desires to dive into the depths of its meaning will find the habit of waiting on God the best key to its words and phrases. No merely natural man can possibly unravel spiritual things, and he who... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 25:1

Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul - In meditation; in gratitude; in praise. The idea is, that the thoughts are lifted up from earth and earthly subjects to God. This is the beginning of the meditation; this gives character, perhaps, to the psalm. The state of mind is that of one who turns cheerfully away from earthly themes, and opens his mind to more lofty and hallowed influences. The mind begins with God; and, beginning with this, the current of thought is allowed to flow on, gathering... read more

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