In the Hebrew the alphabet is followed in the first letter of each verse of this psalm. Here begin a series of psalms which give the thoughts and personal feelings of the troubled and anxious saints of the next dispensation, when God is working out His purposes with regard to the children of Israel, and the world oppresses the godly among them as never before. We are now to find the confession of sins for the first time in the psalms, and much pouring out of the heart to God.
These psalms, we may notice, though showing confidence in God, do not exhibit the knowledge of the finished work of Christ which the Christian has; that will not be known, it appears, until they see Him. What earnest pleadings are in Psalm 25. Enemies there are (verse 2), but he who speaks, looks only to God for help. It will be seen that verse 4 goes beyond asking to know the way he should go; he wishes to know God's ways. Such desires could only be found in one born again.
Tender mercy and loving kindness, God is besought to remember, and not the individual's sins of youth, and transgressions. Meekness is the proper mark of the saints of that day, a suited grace at any time, but particularly when oppressors abound. The meek will He guide in judgment, and will teach them His way. Keeping His covenant and His testimonies, brings the certainty of blessing in verse 10; and fearing the Lord, has its reward in verses 12 to 14. Verse 13 shows the Jewish character of the psalms. The Christian has no inheritance in the earth (see Philippians 3:20, 2120For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. (Philippians 3:20‑21); 1 Peter 1:4, 54To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:4‑5)).
The Christian cannot intelligently make as his own, such words as in the latter part of verse 18, for he is privileged to know that his sins are forgiven. He may, and should, confess his sins (1 John 1:99If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)), but he is conscious that as to his standing before God, they are forgiven for His name's sake (1 John 2:1212I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. (1 John 2:12)).
At the close of this beautiful psalm, the heart takes in the whole of Israel in distress—"Redeem Israel, 0 God, out of all His troubles." That redemption will not be long delayed.