Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Psalms 25:12
What man [is] he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way [that] he shall choose.
12. What man &c.] A rhetorical question, equivalent to whosoever. Cp. Psa 34:12.
him shall he teach ] R.V., him shall he Instruct, as in Psa 25:8.
in the way that he shall choose ] In the course of life which His Providence chooses for him: or, in the way that he should choose; what course to take in circumstances of doubt or difficulty; or, in the way that he chooseth; he chooses ‘the fear of the Lord’ which is ‘the way of truth,’ and Jehovah instructs him in it. This is most in accordance with Psa 119:30; Psa 119:173; Pro 1:29; Pro 3:31.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
What man is he – Who is he. The statement in this verse is intended to include every man; or to be universal. Wherever one is found who has the character here referred to, or whoever he may be, of him what is here affirmed will be true, that God will lead him in the way that he shall choose.
That feareth the Lord – That is, a true worshipper of Yahweh, or that is truly a pious man: Psa 5:7. Him shall he teach. He will guide, or instruct him. See Psa 25:9.
In the way that he shall choose – The way that the person ought to choose; or, in other words, in the right way. It is not the way that God shall choose, but the way that the pious person ought to choose: God will so instruct him that he shall find the true path.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Psa 25:12
What man is he that feareth the Lord?
The fear of God a restraining influence
This secret fear, if it be once planted in the heart, will direct thee in all good actions acceptable to God, and correct thy evil doings. The love of God hath a constraining power whereby it compelleth and forceth us to serve Him: the fear of God hath a restraining power, by which it restraineth and stayeth us, and keepeth us back from offending Him: this is like a bit, that like a spur. Abraham feared that the fear of God was not in the place whereto he went. Joseph being enticed by his mistress to commit wickedness with her, answered, How can I do this great wickedness, and so sin against God? The Lord plant this fear in our hearts. This is a filial fear which he craveth, coming from love, and not a servile fear, which cometh from fear of punishment. The preserver of this fear in thee is a continual nourishment in thy mind of the presence of God, to whom thou presentest all thy actions. Will He teach the way that he shall choose. He promiseth four benefits to the man that feareth God,–He heapeth upon him grace upon grace: before He pardoned him, and now He directeth the man whom He forgave: for no sooner receiveth He any man in His favour, but He immediately takes the protection and direction of him. But out of these words we see three things. First, that there are divers, yea contrary ways, as there are contrary ends, the broad and the narrow, the Kings way and by-roads, the way of life and of death. This is against such as dream to themselves that whatsoever religion they profess, or howsoever they live, they shall go to heaven; but they are deceived, for if thou be not in the way to the kingdom thou shalt never attain to the kingdom; many, yea the most part, are not going but riding, not running but posting, to hell; of whom, if it be demanded whither they go? they will answer, to heaven; yea, and they will brag that they are nearer God than the preacher himself, even as if one should dream of life at the point of death. Next, we see that a man cannot of himself choose the right way to heaven; for the natural man cannot apprehend those things which appertain to Gods kingdom, neither yet can he see them, for they are spiritually discerned. Whereupon followeth the third, that is, how man shall choose the good and refuse the evil way. It is not in him that runneth, nor in him that willeth, but in God that sheweth mercy. Moses chose rather to suffer with the Church than to be called the son of Pharaohs daughter. (A. Symson.)
The fruits of godly fear
The fear of God is a familiar expression in the Scriptures. Let us lay hold of one element in the spacious word. When we profoundly fear a thing we are haunted by it. It affects everything. To fear God is to be God-haunted, God-possessed. But this figure is defective. In all fruitful fear of God there is no cringing, no slavishness, no paralysing terror. Perfect love casteth out this type of fear. Change the figure. We speak of being haunted by an air of music. In such a way the man who fears God is haunted by Gods presence; God is an abiding consciousness. Everything is seen in relationship to God. What would be the fruits of such a fear? The succeeding verses give some outline of the spacious ministry. Him shall He teach in the way that he shall choose. He shall be guided in his choices. He shall have the gift of enlightenment. His discernment shall be refined so as to perceive the right way when the ways are many. His moral judgment shall be instructed. The moral choice shall be firm and sure. The practical judgment shall be nurtured and refined in the Lords school. His soul shall dwell at ease. Restlessness and worry shall be abolished. The sense of the companionship of God will make every place the realm of promise, and in every place he will find the riches of grace. His seed shall inherit the earth. Children become heirs when parents become pious. The God-possessed transmits a legacy of blessing. It would be a profitable thing to calculate what one may inherit because another man was good. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him. They are taken into intimate fellowship. To be made the depository of a rare secret is to be sealed as a friend. How can we become God-haunted? Let us begin by deliberately consulting God in the individual movements of our busy life. Refer everything to His decision Begin by distinct acts of volition This may become at length an easy-fitting habit, and may even ripen into the spontaneity of an instinct. (J. H. Jowett, M. A.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 12. That feareth the Lord] Who has a proper apprehension of his holiness, justice, and truth; and who, at the same time, sees himself a fallen spirit, and a transgressor of God’s holy law, and consequently under the curse. That is the person that truly and reverently fears God.
Him shall he teach] Such a person has a teachable spirit.
The way that he shall choose.] The way that in the course of Providence he has chosen, as the way in which he is to gain things honest in the sight of all men; God will bless him in it, and give him as much earthly prosperity as may be useful to his soul in his secular vocation.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
What man is he, i.e. whosoever he be, whether Jew or Gentile, whether more innocent, or a greater sinner, which is my case.
That he shall choose, i.e. which God appointeth or approveth. Or, which he, i.e. such person, should choose; for the future tense is oft put potentially, and so as to express a mans duty, as Gen 20:9; Mal 1:6; 2:7.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
12, 13. What he asks for himselfis the common lot of all the pious.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
What man [is] he that feareth the Lord? That is, how happy a man is he! and one that fears the Lord is one that has the fear of God put into his heart, as a blessing of the covenant of grace before spoken of; who fears the Lord, not on account of the punishment of sin, but under the influence of the pardon of it, and for his goodness’s sake; who loves the Lord, trusts in him, is careful not to offend him, hates sin, and avoids it, and has a strict regard to the worship of God in all its parts and branches, and performs it in fear; or who serves the Lord with reverence and godly fear. The description of this man’s happiness follows in this verse and Ps 25:12:
him shall he teach in the way [that] he shall choose; either which the man that fears God shall choose, which is the way of truth and duty,
Ps 119:30; or the way which God prescribes to him, and is well pleasing in his sight, who teaches to profit, and leads in the way his people should go; and a great happiness it is for a man to have his steps ordered by the Lord and his goings directed by him.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
The question: quisnam est vir , which resembles Psa 34:13; Psa 107:43; Isa 50:10, is only propounded in order to draw attention to the person who bears the character described, and then to state what such an one has to expect. In prose we should have a relative antecedent clause instead, viz., qui ( quisquis ) talis est qui Dominum vereatur .
(Note: The verb ver-eri, which signifies “to guard one’s self, defend one’s self from anything” according to its radical notion, has nothing to do with ( ) .)
The attributive , ( viam ) quam eligat (cf. Isa 48:17), might also be referred to God: in which He takes delight (lxx); but parallels like Psa 119:30, Psa 119:173, favour the rendering: which he should choose. Among all the blessings which fall to the lot of him who fears God, the first place is given to this, that God raises him above the vacillation and hesitancy of human opinion.
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
12. Who is the man. By again recalling to his mind the character in which God manifests himself towards his servants, he derives new strength and courage. For we have said, that nothing more readily occurs than a relaxation in earnest and attentive prayer, unless it be sustained by the recollection of God’s promises. There can, however, be no doubt, that David both accuses himself, and by entertaining a better hope, takes encouragement to continue in the fear of God. In the first place, by intimating that men are destitute of right understanding and sound judgment, because they yield not themselves to be governed by God with reverence and fear, he imputes it to his own indolence, that by reason of the darkness of his mind, he had wandered so far astray after his own lusts; and yet, on the other hand, he promises himself the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit, if he only yield himself wholly to God, and show that he is willing to learn. Moreover, the interrogatory style of speaking, which he here employs, seems designed to show how few there are who fear God: for, although all men in general pray, and manifest some appearance of piety, yet where is there one among so many who is really in earnest? Instead of this, almost all men indulge themselves in their own drowsiness. The fear of God, therefore, is very rare; and on this account it is that the world, for the most part, continues destitute of the Spirit of counsel and wisdom.
Some interpreters render the word choose in the present tense, instead of the future, shall choose; as if it had been said, that God shows the way which he approves, and in which he wishes men to walk. With this interpretation I cannot agree; for, in my judgment, the word choose rather refers to every individual; as if it had been said, Provided we are disposed to fear God, he will not be wanting on his part, but will always direct us by the Spirit of wisdom to choose the right way. When we are called upon to adopt some particular course in life, we find ourselves as it were placed between two ways, and know not which of them to follow; (560) nay, in almost all our affairs we are held in suspense and doubt, unless God appear to show us the way. David therefore says, that although men know not what is right, and what they ought to choose, yet provided they submit to God with pious docility of mind, and are willing to follow him, he will always manifest himself towards them as a sure and faithful guide. As, however, the fear of God is not naturally in us, it were foolish for any man to argue from this place, that God does not begin to take care of men until, by their own previous efforts, they insinuate themselves into his favor, that he may aid them in their pious endeavors. David has just declared, that this grace comes directly from God, when he says that God teaches the transgressors: and now he adds, in the second place, that after men have once been subdued and moulded to meekness of spirit, God still takes them under his charge, guiding and directing them till they are able, by the illumination of the Holy Spirit, to know what is their duty.
(560) “ Les gachans lequel prendre.” — Fr.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(12) What man is he . . .?For the emphatic question compare Psa. 34:12.
The way that he shall choose.Rather, the way that he should choosei.e., the way of right choice. The LXX. and Vulg., however, refer it to Godthe way in which He took delight.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
12. From the greatness of his sin he turns to the blessedness of those who fear God.
What man Whosoever, whatsoever man. God makes no personal distinctions.
The way he shall choose That is, the way God shall choose, as Psa 25:8
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
The One Who Fears YHWH Will Receive His Instruction, Will Enjoy Security And Prosperity, Will Be Aware That He Is One Of His Covenant People, And Will Be Kept From Falling ( Psa 25:12-15 ).
We now come to the second and third stage in the parallels. In the case of the second stage the emphasis has been on YHWH’s activity towards His responsive people, in the case of the third stage it is on how His people who fear Him will benefit from it. But both have a similar pattern in mind:
Psa 25:8-11 Psa 25:12-15 Good and upright is YHWH. What man is he who fears YHWH? Therefore will He instruct sinners in the way The meek will He guide in justice, And the meek will He teach his way him will He instruct in the way that he will choose.’ All the paths of YHWH are his soul will dwell at ease lovingkindness and truth And his seed will inherit the land To such as keep His covenant The friendship of YHWH is with those who fear Him, and His testimonies And he will show them His covenant. For Your name’s sake, O YHWH My eyes are ever towards YHWH; Pardon my iniquity, for it is great. For He will pluck my feet out of the net’ In this third stage it His people’s benefit that is in mind. He who reverentially fears YHWH will receive His instruction, will dwell with ease of soul, his children will inherit what God had promised, he will experience His friendship, will have the truth of the covenant made known to him by Him, and because his eyes are on Him will have his feet plucked out of the net that ensnares sinners. This is one step further than God not remembering his sins (Psa 25:7) and pardoning his iniquity (Psa 25:11). It is practical deliverance from sin. ‘Sin will no longer have dominion over you, for you are not under Law but under grace’ (Rom 6:14).
Psa 25:12
M ‘What man is he who fears YHWH?
Him will he instruct in the way that he will choose.’
The Psalmist now points out what kind of a man God will have dealings with. It is a man who ‘is in awe of YHWH’ sufficiently to respond to His requirements. It is such a man who will be chosen by YHWH, so that YHWH will instruct him in His chosen way (Isa 30:21), or in his chosen way (Psa 119:30; Psa 119:173; Pro 1:29).
Psa 25:13
N ‘His soul will dwell at ease,
And his seed will inherit the land.’
And the result will be that his inner life is at peace (his soul will dwell at ease) and his children will receive their God promised inheritance. Compare here Jesus’ promise, ‘blessed ones are those who are meek, for they will inherit the land’. ‘Inheriting the land’ basically means receiving the future that God has promised. The writer to the Hebrews points out that this means coming to a city whose builder and maker is God (Heb 11:10; compare Heb 12:22).
Psa 25:14
S ‘The friendship (or ‘secret’) of YHWH is with those who fear him,
And he will show them his covenant.’
And those who fear Him will also enjoy the intimate friendship of YHWH, the kind of friendship which results in the sharing of secrets. The word for ‘friendship’ signifies the idea of a confidential and intimate relationship (compare its use in Psa 55:14 – ‘sweet counsel’). And He will also show them (‘make them to know’) His covenant. They will have it ever brought to mind by Him (through His word) and will experience it in ever deeper measure because of their relationship with Him.
Psa 25:15
GH ‘My eyes are ever towards YHWH;
For he will pluck my feet out of the net’.
And finally because the Psalmists eyes are ever towards YHWH, the Psalmist knows that YHWH will preserve him from being caught in snares and traps. Note the sudden change to the first person which parallels Psa 25:11. There he had called for forgiveness for his iniquity. Here he asserts his confidence that he will be delivered from all that could cause him to stumble because of YHWH’s intervention on his behalf
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
DISCOURSE: 534
THE PORTION OF THOSE WHO FEAR GOD
Psa 25:12-13. What man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose: his soul shall dwell at ease.
WHERE, as in the psalm before us, different verses begin with the different letters of the Hebrew alphabet, we must not look for a very strict connexion between the different parts; if there be somewhat of an harmonious sentiment pervading the whole, it is as much as we have reason to expect. The general idea that pervades this psalm seems to be, that if (whether under the pressure of guilt or of affliction of any kind) we betake ourselves to God in prayer, and cast our care on him, he will administer to us such consolation and support as our necessities may require. In conformity with this idea, he, throughout the former part of the psalm, supplicates mercy for himself, and, in the words before us, declares the blessedness of all who truly fear God.
To bring the subject more fully before you, I shall,
I.
Inquire after the character that is here described
Where shall we find him? One would suppose that, in a Christian community at least, it should be difficult to find one who did not fear God: but, strange as it may appear, the character here described is by no means common. I am anxious, however, to find one; because it is to him, and to him only, that the glorious promises in my text are addressed. Assist me, then, every one of you, in this important inquiry; and descend into your own bosoms, to explore the records of conscience, and to see whether you can, in your own persons, present before me the character I am endeavouring to find. I want to know What man amongst you feareth the Lord?
1.
Who is there amongst you that reverences Gods authority?
[There can be no question whether Gods authority should be revered: for we all acknowledge him to be the Governor of the Universe, and confess that all his creatures owe submission to his will. Indeed it is the common sentiment of all, that he is greatly to be feared, and to be had in reverence of all them that are round about him: and it is obvious, that any man who disregards his authority can have no true fear of him in his heart.]
2.
Who is there amongst you that dreads his displeasure?
[We all are sinners, and, as sinners, are obnoxious to the displeasure of the Most High. Whether our lives have been more or less moral, we are all transgressors of Gods holy law, and all have merited his wrathful indignation: all, therefore, ought, with deep humility of mind, to deprecate his impending judgments. Had we never sinned, we should never have needed this kind of fear: but to fallen creatures it is absolutely and indispensably necessary. Let me then ask, Who is there amongst you that mourns over his past transgressions, and implores mercy at the hands of his offended God, and seeks reconciliation with him through the Son of his love? I do not ask, Where is the person who, on some particular occasion, has wept for sin? but, Where is the person whose heart is habitually broken and contrite, so as to have no hope, no peace, but in the atoning blood of Christ; and who, notwithstanding God is reconciled towards him, still lothes himself for his iniquities and abominations? The man who had fled to a city of refuge ventured not out of the gates of the city any more (till the death of the High Priest), lest the pursuer of blood should fall upon him and destroy him. And if we, through fear of Gods displeasure, have fled for refuge to Jesus, as to the hope set before us, we shall be careful to abide in him, lest the sword of vengeance overtake us, and we perish.]
3.
Who is there amongst you that unfeignedly and unreservedly endeavours to fulfil his will?
[A desire to please God cannot but be associated with a fear of his Divine Majesty. Say, then, where is the person who from day to clay endeavours to ascertain his will, and labours to perform it? I am not inquiring after one who never errs; for such a character as that I could have no hope to find on earth; since in many things we all offend; and there is no man that liveth and sinneth not. But one who labours conscientiously to approve himself to God, I may hope to find. Search amongst you, Brethren: see whether such an one be not to be found. I am not willing that the consolations in my text should be spoken in vain: I want to engage the attention of the person to whom they are addressed, and to pour them into the ear for which they are more especially designed. But do not too hastily obtrude yourselves, and say, I am he. Consider once more. Are you so studious of Gods will, and so determined to perform it, that no consideration of ease, or interest, or pleasure, can induce you to violate any one of his commands? And, if in any thing a more perfect way can be pointed out to you, are you ready to walk in it, notwithstanding any difficulties you may have to encounter, or any trials to which you may be exposed?]
If there be one whose conscience bears witness to him that his state before God is such as I have described, then I have found the person for whose comfort the Psalmist made the declarations in my text, and for whose benefit I shall,
II.
Unfold the benefits that are accorded to him
Stand forth, my Brother; for in the name of the Most High God I declare unto you, that,
1.
You shall be taught and guided in the way that God approves
[It may be, that at present your views of divine truth are but obscure; and that you have but little capacity to comprehend the deep things of God, and but little opportunity to investigate them. Yet I say to you, in the name of the Lord, that you shall be guided into all truth, as far as shall be necessary for the welfare of your soul; and that Gods way shall be made so plain before your face, that, notwithstanding you be a wayfaring man, and, in respect of human sciences, a fool, you shall not err therein [Note: Isa 35:8.]. In particular, you shall have the Lord Jesus Christ revealed to you, as the Way, the truth, and the life: and, having received him into your hearts, you shall walk in him, rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith as you have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving [Note: Col 2:6-7.]. This is the very first step to which the teaching of Almighty God will lead you; as our Lord has said: It is written in the prophets, All thy children shall be taught of God. Every one, therefore, that hath heard and learned of the Father, cometh unto me [Note: Joh 6:45.]. In the course of your pilgrimage many difficulties will arise, wherein you will need direction from above: but God engages that in all those emergencies you shall hear a voice behind you, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it; when you would otherwise be turning to the right hand or to the left [Note: Isa 30:21.]. As the pillar and the cloud went before the Israelites throughout all their journeyings in the wilderness for forty years, till they arrived safe in the Promised Land, so will God guide you by his counsel, till he has safely brought you to glory [Note: Psa 73:24.].]
2.
Your soul shall dwell at ease
[It may be that your former iniquities have been great and manifold; so that, unless God interposed in a more than ordinary way to support your soul, you would sink into despair. But where sin has abounded, his grace shall much more abound: and he will say to you, as to the woman of old, Thy sins are forgiven thee. Being justified by faith, you shall have peace with God; and in your own conscience, even that peace of God which passeth all understanding. It is possible, also, that you may be exposed to many trials and temptations, even such as without divine aid would utterly overwhelm you. But you shall know in whom you have believed; and feel assured that He is able to keep that which you have committed to him [Note: 2Ti 1:12.], and that He will preserve you unto his heavenly kingdom. Thus, as Peter, the very night before his intended execution, though bound with chains, and doomed to a cruel death, was sleeping as serenely as if no such event had awaited him, so shall your soul dwell at ease, yea, it shall be kept in perfect peace [Note: Isa 26:3.]: for, if God giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? [Note: Job 34:29.]
But, in the margin of our Bibles the sense of the original is more fully and literally expressed thus: His soul shall lodge in goodness. What a rich and glorious idea is this! The Scriptures abound in expressions of this kind: Isaiah, commending the truths of the Gospel to us, says, Eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness: and David says, My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, whilst my mouth praiseth thee with joyful lips. So, in my text he tells us that the Believers soul shall lodge in goodness. Yes, verily, God himself is the habitation of them that fear him: his bosom is the place in which they are safely lodged, far beyond the reach of harm [Note: Psa 91:1; Psa 91:9-10.], and fondled with more than maternal tenderness [Note: Isa 66:10-13.]; insomuch that God himself rejoices over them to do them good, and rests in his love, and joys over them with singing [Note: Zep 3:17.].
Thus, my Brother (for I am speaking to that particular individual who feareth God), it shall be with thee in this world: and who shall describe thy lodging in the world above? Oh! the joys that await thee there! how passing all expression or conception! The kingdom, the glory, the felicity of God himself shall be thine, even thy portion, and thine inheritance, for ever and ever.]
Application
Now will I pause; and, from addressing thee who fearest God, turn,
1.
To the unhappy multitude, who fear him not
[Painful it is to make this distinction: but this distinction must be made. We are commanded to separate the precious from the vile [Note: Jer 15:19.]: and if we forbear to do it, God will not: He will put a difference between them that serve him and those who serve him not [Note: Mal 3:18.]. It cannot but be known to you, that the generality, even of the Christian world, have not, in truth, the fear of God before their eyes. Say, beloved, did not your own consciences attest, that, in many of you at least, the marks of holy fear did not exist, or, not in such a degree as to identify you with the character described in my text? Whilst we spoke of those who reverenced the authority of God, and trembled at his displeasure, and made it the one object of their lives to do his will, were not many of you constrained to say, If this be the character of those who fear God, I am forced to confess that it does not belong to me? Then, Brethren, by your own confession, you have no part in the promises annexed to that character. And, indeed, your own experience confirms this: for at this moment you cannot comprehend those mysteries of grace which are made clear to the believing soul. You have not that spiritual discernment, whereby alone you can understand and appreciate the things of the Spirit [Note: 1Co 2:12; 1Co 2:14.]. And, as for your soul dwelling at ease, you know nothing of it: the very thought of death and judgment is so appalling to you, that you can find no rest till you dismiss it from your mind. God himself tells us, that you are like the troubled sea, whose waters cast up mire and dirt; and that there is no peace to the wicked [Note: Isa 57:20-21.].
Will you not, then, seek to fear God? Will you not entreat him to put his fear into your hearts, ere it be too late? I tremble at the thought of the lodging prepared for you. Oh! who can dwell with everlasting burnings? I pray you, Brethren, realize in your minds the different states of the Rich Man and Lazarus; and labour not for the meat that perisheth, but for that which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of Man shall give unto you.]
2.
To any one who, though really fearing God, does not yet experience the full comfort of it in his soul
It may be that such an one is here present, even one who, because he feels not yet all the consolations of religion, is led to doubt its existence in his soul. We read of some in the primitive Church, who were in heaviness through manifold temptations: and, no doubt, there may be persons so circumstanced amongst ourselves at this time. But for such God has provided peculiar encouragement. He has stated the very case, and addressed appropriate counsel to the person under it: Who is among you that feareth the Lord, and obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God [Note: Isa 50:10.]. Do not imagine that God has forgotten his word, or that he will not fulfil it to you: for not one jot or tittle of it shall ever fail. Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. The corn that is sown in the earth does not rise up immediately: nor must you be discouraged, if you have some time to wait before the harvest that is prepared for you appear. The vision may tarry; but it is only for the time appointed of your God; and then it shall come, and shall not tarry [Note: Hab 2:3.]. Only wait his leisure; and you shall find, in due season, that, in every nation under heaven, he that feareth God and worketh righteousness shall be accepted of him.]
Fuente: Charles Simeon’s Horae Homileticae (Old and New Testaments)
I do not interrupt the reading through the whole of these verses; their plain and obvious meaning they carry along with them. They bear a decided testimony to divine faithfulness, and man’s necessities. And though the enemy of God’s people doth wage open and secret war against God’s heritage, yet Israel shall be ultimately successful, in a full triumph through God’s deliverance. Isa 45:17 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Psa 25:12 What man [is] he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way [that] he shall choose.
Ver. 12. What man is he that feareth the Lord? ] This question implieth, first, a paucity of such, as Hos 14:9 ; secondly, the felicity of such as, out of a reverential fear of God, sue to him for pardon of sin, and seek to be made his servants. O quanta est felicitas istius viri! Oh the heaped up happiness of such a rare man! (Vatab.) David admireth it here (utitur exclamations Mol.); and well he may, for he hath close communion with God, and sweet communication of Christ’s secrets, as followeth.
Him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Psa 25:12-15
12Who is the man who fears the Lord?
He will instruct him in the way he should choose.
13His soul will abide in prosperity,
And his descendants will inherit the land.
14The secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him,
And He will make them know His covenant.
15My eyes are continually toward the Lord,
For He will pluck my feet out of the net.
Psa 25:12-15 As in strophes Psa 25:4-11, the same themes continue here. Notice how the faithful follower is characterized.
1. he fears YHWH, Psa 25:12; Psa 25:14, cf. Psa 15:4; Psa 103:11; Psa 103:13; Psa 115:11; Psa 118:4
2. he knows YHWH’s covenant, Psa 25:14
3. his eyes are continually toward YHWH, Psa 25:15
Notice what YHWH will do for him.
1. He will instruct him in the way, Psa 25:12, cf. Psa 16:11; Psa 139:24
2. He will provide good (BDB 373) for him and his descendants, Psa 25:13
3. He reveals to him His truths, Psa 25:14
4. He will keep his feet on the path and out of harm, Psa 25:15
Psa 25:12 choose There is a theological balance in the Bible between the sovereign acts of YHWH and His demand that humans choose Him and His ways (cf. Deu 30:15; Deu 30:19; Jos 24:14-15). We are responsible for our choices! See Special Topic below.
SPECIAL TOPIC: Election/Predestination and the Need for a Theological Balance
Psa 25:14
NASB, NKJV,
NJBsecret
NRSVfriendship
TEVfriend
LXXempowerment
JPSOAcounsel
REBconfides
The Hebrew word (BDB 691, KB 745) can mean (cf. Job 15:8; Psa 111:1)
1. confidential discussion Job 29:4; Psa 55:14
2. secret counsel Job 15:8; Pro 11:13; Pro 20:19; Pro 25:9
3. circle of confidants Psa 89:7; Jer 15:17; Jer 23:18; Jer 23:22
These connotations are fluid and interchangeable. There is a special consultation, fellowship, and impartation of knowledge between the covenant God and His faithful followers.
Psa 25:15 As YHWH’s eyes (see Special Topic: GOD DESCRIBED AS HUMAN ) are continuously on those who fear Him and obey Him, so too, the faithful continue to be faithful by keeping their full and focused attention on Him (cf. Heb 12:2)!
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
What. ? Figure of speech Erotesis (App-6), to emphasize the worshippers.
man. Hebrew. ‘ish. App-14.
feareth. = revereth.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
feareth
(See Scofield “Psa 19:9”).
Fuente: Scofield Reference Bible Notes
What: Psa 111:10, Pro 1:7, Pro 2:5, Pro 15:33, Pro 16:6, Ecc 12:13, Isa 50:10, Act 10:2, Act 10:22, Act 13:26
him: Psa 32:8, Psa 37:23, Isa 35:8, Joh 3:20, Joh 3:21, Joh 7:17, Joh 8:31, Joh 8:32, Act 11:14, 2Th 2:10-12, 1Jo 2:27
Reciprocal: Gen 22:12 – now 1Ki 8:36 – thou teach 2Ch 6:27 – when thou hast Psa 27:11 – Teach Psa 86:11 – Teach Psa 143:10 – Teach Pro 1:33 – whoso Pro 8:9 – General Pro 13:22 – leaveth Pro 15:19 – the way of the righteous Pro 20:24 – how Ecc 7:18 – for Isa 48:17 – which teacheth Mic 4:2 – and he Mat 2:9 – the star Luk 1:79 – to guide Joh 14:26 – he Act 9:6 – and it
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Psa 25:12-13. What man is he that feareth the Lord Whosoever he be, whether Jew or Gentile, whether comparatively innocent or a great sinner, which is my case: him shall he teach in the way he shall choose The way which God chooseth, or appointeth and approveth, or which the good man should, or ought to choose. His soul shall dwell at ease Hebrew, , betob talin, shall lodge, that is, continue in good, in the possession and enjoyment of the true good. His seed shall inherit the earth Or, the land, namely, Canaan; which was promised and given as an earnest of the whole covenant of grace and all its promises.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
25:12 What {i} man [is] he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way [that] he shall {k} choose.
(i) Meaning, the number is very small.
(k) He will direct such with his spirit to follow the right way.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
According to Pro 1:7 the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. That is, to become wise, a person must first submit to God and what He has revealed as he or she lives life. Fearing the Lord will result in listening to His Word. The person who listens to the Lord’s Word will prosper, as will his or her descendants (cf. Deuteronomy 6).