It’s hard to say which group of Psalms number 25 really belongs. Some parts feel a lot like the lament psalms – references to gloating enemies and distressing troubles. Yet other portions seem to be teaching truths in a way that would fit nicely in the book of Proverbs. All of it is interwoven, though, into a prayer to Yahweh God.
The prayer of Psalm 25 complements the wisdom of Psalm 1. That psalm, in the more didactic tradition of wisdom, established the two ways, that of the righteous and that of the wicked. But taken alone, the dispassionate wisdom of Psalm 1 could be misleading; it might be taken to imply that the essence of life was simply choosing the right road – once the choice had been made, all would be well. But in Psalm 25, the wisdom themes reappear, though now in a context of prayer. The prayer is that of a person who has made the choice and is walking the road of the righteous; but the dispassionate wisdom has been transformed to passionate petition, for the right road is not an easy one to walk. It is lined with enemies who would like nothing better than to put the walker to shame. The traveler on the road is also plagued with internal doubts, as he recalls in his mind previous wanderings from the path and former sins. The essence of the road of the righteous is this: it is a road too difficult to walk without the companionship and friendship of God. The psalmist, troubled from without and within, has stopped for a moment in the way. He knows he cannot turn back, but scarcely knows how to continue. So he prays that God would show him the road forward and make him walk in it. He knows he does not deserve such guidance and strength, but as one forgiven of sin, he is confident that God will show him the road again.
It is remarkable that in Psalm 25, contrary to normal expectation, the covenant the psalmist anticipates is not a relationship predicated on absolute perfection of obedience, but is from the outset a “covenant for sinners.” He acknowledges sinful acts of long-standing, hoping that Yahweh will no longer “remember” them. He goes on to declare that one indication of Yahweh’s “good and upright” character is the fact he “instructs sinners in his ways.” God’s purpose is to bring sinners into the covenant, and to this end He provides the necessary guidance and instruction to make their participation possible.
This idea of a “covenant for sinners” is borne out by the OT narratives of the lives of those we might tend to consider “saints.” Abraham, Jacob, David, Gideon, and Samson were all “sinners” who nonetheless found themselves bound graciously into a covenant relationship with Yahweh. Abraham with his constant confusion of self-interest and divine promise, Jacob’s numerous attempts to manipulate and control the gift of divine blessing, David and his abuse of kingly power for personal gain and gratification, Gideon’s creation of seductive idols to lead the people astray, Samson’s self-destructive pursuit of love in the arms of the enemy – none of these “sinners” could undermine God’s purpose to establish and flesh out a relationship of salvation with his people. God relentlessly pursues these and other sinners. He patiently instructs them in his ways, guides them in what is right, teaches them his way, confides in them, and makes his covenant known to them.
So, if we aren’t talking about a covenant where we have to remain perfect… what are we talking about? What does it look like to be a part of this covenant relationship? The main characteristic is to be humble. Yahweh guides and teaches those who acknowledge their need and reliance on him. Another way to describe this humble attitude is by saying someone’s life shows the “fear of the Lord.” Those who live this way HOPE and TRUST in Yahweh – and him alone – for life, salvation, and continued providence.
It is important to note that it is “hope” and “trust” that link the humble sinners to the covenant with God, not sinless obedience. This is Grace – right in the middle of the OT! When the psalmist declares that “all the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of his covenant,”” we immediately think of the law and the necessity of keeping its commandments. But the broader context of Psalm 25 starts to erode that idea and presents us with a better view of the Old Testament covenant with God as a covenant of grace offered to sinners.
For those humble sinners who rely wholly on him, God responds in love and faithfulness. He forgives their sins. He frees them from the snares that entangle them. He graciously removes the anguish they experience and protects them from public humiliation.
God is God of the Old Testament as well as the New. God is God of Israel as well as the Church. We shouldn’t be surprised to find that he has the same message of love and forgiveness throughout ALL the pages of both the Hebrew AND Christian Bibles.
The “Covenant for Sinners” that Psalm 25 describes is a divine gift. I find that I often identify most with those OT characters who struggled honestly and faithfully with their doubts, fears, and inward demons. I am thankful that God calls sinners into relationship with himself, that he forgives our sin, and that he releases us from our anguish as well as the snares that bind and hinder us.
Those who enter the eternal kingdom of God’s grace are those who acknowledge their sin and trust in the gracious mercy of God while surrendering self-power and pride. May our eyes be ever fixed on God our Father, and on Jesus who showed us his ways and his paths through a life here among us.
~ Clay
Fowlers in Japan 