Psalms 25:15

KJV

¶ Mine eyes [are] ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.

KJV (with Strong's)

Mine eyes {H5869} are ever {H8548} toward the LORD {H3068}; for he shall pluck {H3318} my feet {H7272} out of the net {H7568}.

Complete Jewish Bible

My eyes are always directed toward ADONAI, for he will free my feet from the net.

Berean Standard Bible

My eyes are always on the LORD, for He will free my feet from the mesh.

American Standard Version

Mine eyes are ever toward Jehovah; For he will pluck my feet out of the net.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 25:15 is a profound declaration of unwavering faith and dependence, revealing the psalmist's steadfast gaze upon God as the sole source of deliverance. Amidst life's entanglements and adversaries, the psalmist expresses a deep conviction that the Lord will actively and powerfully intervene to rescue him from seemingly inescapable perils, embodying a posture of constant trust in divine help and a confident expectation of liberation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 25 is a deeply personal prayer attributed to David, structured as an acrostic poem, though with some irregularities. It is characterized by a recurring plea for divine guidance, forgiveness of sins, and deliverance from enemies and shame. The psalm opens with an expression of trust ("Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul," [Psalms 25:1](/psalms/25-1 "Psalms 25:1 - David's Trust in God")), transitions into a fervent request for instruction in God's ways ([Psalms 25:4-5](/psalms/25-4 "Psalms 25:4-5 - Prayer for Guidance")), and includes a heartfelt confession of sin, appealing to God's mercy ([Psalms 25:7](/psalms/25-7 "Psalms 25:7 - Plea for Forgiveness")). Verse 15, "Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net," serves as a pivotal declaration of the psalmist's steadfast reliance on God, providing the foundation for his hope amidst the ongoing pleas for rescue from affliction and lonely circumstances expressed in the surrounding verses ([Psalms 25:16-20](/psalms/25-16 "Psalms 25:16-20 - Plea for Deliverance from Enemies")). It is a statement of active, intentional trust that undergirds his entire supplication.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Psalms, particularly those attributed to David, often reflect the tumultuous life of a king constantly facing opposition, betrayal, and warfare. The imagery of a "net" (Hebrew: _reshet_) would have been immediately understood by an ancient audience as a hunter's snare or fowler's trap, a common method for capturing prey. This metaphor vividly conveys a situation of being caught, entrapped, and unable to escape by one's own strength—a predicament David frequently faced from his adversaries (e.g., Saul, Absalom, foreign nations). The cultural understanding of divine intervention was also central; in a world where human power was limited and threats ever-present, the people of Israel looked to Yahweh, their covenant God, as their ultimate deliverer and protector, a concept deeply embedded in their national identity and religious practice.

* **Key Themes:** Psalm 25:15 encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent throughout the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **unwavering trust and dependence** on God, emphasizing a deliberate and continuous spiritual posture of looking to the divine rather than human strength or worldly solutions. This is a recurring motif, as seen in passages like [Psalm 62:5](/psalms/62-5 "Psalm 62:5 - My Soul Waits for God Alone"). Secondly, the verse powerfully conveys the theme of **divine deliverance and intervention**. The "net" symbolizes the various forms of entrapment—whether from enemies, sin, or life's overwhelming difficulties—from which only God can provide true rescue. This resonates with God's consistent role as a deliverer throughout Israel's history, from the Exodus ([Exodus 14:13](/exodus/14-13 "Exodus 14:13 - The Lord Will Fight for You")) to personal salvation. Finally, it underscores the theme of **hope amidst adversity**. Even when facing dire circumstances, the psalmist's fixed gaze on the Lord instills confidence in God's active, powerful, and certain intervention, reinforcing the promise of God's unfailing protection for those who trust in Him, a truth echoed in [Psalm 91:3](/psalms/91-3 "Psalm 91:3 - Deliverance from the Fowler's Snare").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"Mine eyes... toward the LORD" (Hebrew, _ʿayin... ʾel YHWH'_):** The Hebrew word for "eyes" (`ʿayin`, עַיִן) literally refers to the physical organ of sight, but here it metaphorically represents the entire being's focus, attention, and expectation. The preposition "toward" (`ʾel`, אֶל) indicates direction and destination, signifying a deliberate, intentional turning to Yahweh (the covenant name of God, rendered "LORD" in capitalized form). This phrase denotes not merely a casual glance but a sustained, purposeful gaze—a posture of prayer, longing, and absolute reliance. It speaks to a spiritual discipline of fixing one's hope and attention solely on God, acknowledging Him as the ultimate source of help and salvation.

* **"pluck" (Hebrew, _natsal'_):** The verb `natsal` (נָצַל) is a strong, active verb meaning "to deliver," "to rescue," "to snatch away," or "to draw out." It often implies a forceful, decisive, and immediate act of liberation from danger or oppression. This is not a gentle disentanglement but a powerful extraction, emphasizing God's omnipotence and His ability to intervene effectively in seemingly impossible situations. The use of this verb highlights God's active agency and His commitment to His trusting children, underscoring His power to extract one from peril through His mighty hand.

* **"net" (Hebrew, _reshet'_):** The noun `reshet` (רֶשֶׁת) specifically refers to a "net" or "snare," typically used by a hunter or fowler to trap birds or animals. In this context, it functions as a powerful metaphor for any form of entrapment, peril, or difficult circumstance that ensnares an individual, making escape humanly impossible. This could include the schemes of adversaries, the consequences of sin, overwhelming anxieties, or life-threatening dangers. The imagery evokes a sense of helplessness and vulnerability, underscoring the psalmist's need for divine intervention to be set free from a situation where he is caught and unable to extricate himself.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Mine eyes [are] ever toward the LORD":** This opening clause establishes the psalmist's spiritual posture. The adverb "ever" (Hebrew: `tamid`, תָּמִיד) emphasizes the constancy and unwavering nature of this gaze. It is not an occasional glance but a perpetual orientation of his entire being—his thoughts, desires, and expectations—towards God. This signifies a deep, abiding trust and a conscious decision to seek God's face and His will above all else, especially in times of distress. It is a declaration of active dependence, acknowledging God as the supreme authority and ultimate source of help.

* **"for he shall pluck my feet out of the net":** This second clause provides the reason and the confident expectation behind the psalmist's unwavering gaze. The conjunction "for" (`ki`, כִּי) indicates causality or explanation. The psalmist's eyes are fixed on the Lord because he has an absolute conviction that God *will* act decisively to deliver him. "My feet" refers to his path, his progress, or his very life, implying that his movement and freedom are hindered. The "net" symbolizes the various perils that threaten to ensnare him. The future tense "shall pluck" expresses certainty and assurance, not mere hope, in God's powerful and effective intervention to liberate him from whatever traps or dangers he faces.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices that amplify its message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where the "net" (Hebrew: _reshet_) serves as a vivid representation of the various forms of entrapment, danger, or adversity that threaten the psalmist. This imagery effectively conveys a sense of being caught, helpless, and unable to escape by one's own means, thus highlighting the absolute necessity of divine intervention. Furthermore, the phrase "Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD" functions as a **Confession/Declaration** of the psalmist's unwavering faith and commitment. It is a bold statement of his spiritual posture and dependence, setting the tone for his expectation of deliverance. Finally, the confident assertion "for he shall pluck my feet out of the net" demonstrates **Anticipation/Assurance**, revealing the psalmist's certain hope and conviction in God's future, active, and powerful rescue, transforming a plea into a statement of faith-filled expectation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 25:15 serves as a powerful testament to the biblical doctrine of divine providence and the necessity of human trust. It underscores that true security and deliverance are found not in self-reliance or worldly solutions, but in a constant, intentional orientation toward God. This verse articulates a fundamental principle of the spiritual life: when our gaze is fixed on the Lord, our hope is anchored in His unfailing character and His demonstrated power to rescue. It speaks to God's active involvement in the lives of His people, not as a passive observer, but as a mighty Deliverer who intervenes decisively to free them from the snares of sin, suffering, and adversaries. This posture of dependence is not weakness, but the very channel through which God's strength is made manifest, affirming that God is both able and willing to lead His faithful through trials and out of entrapment.

* [Psalm 121:1-2](/psalms/121-1 "Psalm 121:1-2 - My Help Comes from the Lord")
* [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - Fear of Man vs. Trust in God")
* [2 Timothy 4:18](/2_timothy/4-18 "2 Timothy 4:18 - The Lord Will Rescue Me")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world replete with "nets"—whether they be financial anxieties, relational conflicts, spiritual temptations, or physical ailments—Psalms 25:15 offers a timeless and profoundly practical guide for the believer. It calls us to cultivate a deliberate, unwavering "God-ward gaze," reminding us that when troubles surround us, our natural inclination to focus on the problem itself must be consciously redirected to the One who is infinitely greater than any challenge. This spiritual discipline is not passive resignation but an active, faith-filled posture that acknowledges our human limitations while affirming God's limitless power and faithfulness. By consistently fixing our eyes on the Lord, we align our perspective with His divine sovereignty, inviting His intervention and experiencing His liberating power. This verse reassures us that our trust is not misplaced; God is indeed capable and willing to "pluck our feet out of the net," providing hope, security, and a path forward even in the most entangled circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "nets" or entanglements are currently threatening to hinder your spiritual or physical freedom?**
* **How consistently do you maintain a "God-ward gaze" in times of distress, as opposed to focusing on the problem itself?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more intentionally fix your eyes "ever toward the LORD" in your daily life?**
* **In what specific ways have you experienced God "plucking your feet out of the net" in the past, and how can remembering these instances strengthen your current trust?**

### FAQ

**What does "Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD" truly mean in a practical sense?**

Answer: This phrase signifies a constant, intentional, and active spiritual posture of dependence and expectation. Practically, it means making a conscious decision to prioritize God in all circumstances, especially during trials. It involves consistent prayer, seeking God's guidance through His Word, meditating on His character and promises, and deliberately choosing to trust in His sovereignty rather than succumbing to fear or relying solely on human strength. It's about maintaining a heavenly perspective, acknowledging that true help and deliverance come from Him alone, and orienting one's entire being—thoughts, desires, and actions—towards His will and presence. It's the opposite of being distracted by worldly concerns or despair.

**How does the "net" metaphor apply to modern challenges?**

Answer: The "net" is a powerful and enduring metaphor for any situation that ensnares, traps, or restricts our freedom and well-being. In modern contexts, this can include a wide array of challenges: overwhelming debt, addiction, toxic relationships, chronic illness, spiritual strongholds, deep-seated anxieties, career stagnation, or even the pervasive influence of cultural pressures that pull us away from God. Just as a physical net renders its victim helpless, these modern "nets" can make us feel trapped, unable to move forward, and without hope. The verse assures us that no matter how complex or seemingly inescapable these entanglements are, God possesses the power to "pluck" us out, providing liberation and a path to freedom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 25:15 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent example of one whose "eyes were ever toward the LORD," consistently demonstrating perfect submission and reliance on the Father's will, even in the face of immense suffering and the ultimate "net" of death itself, as seen in His prayer in [Gethsemane](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane"). More significantly, Jesus is the divine Deliverer who came to "pluck our feet out of the net" of sin, death, and the power of the evil one. Through His crucifixion and resurrection, He conquered the ultimate spiritual entrapment, freeing those who were held captive by the fear of death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Deliverance from Death")). He is the Good Shepherd who rescues His sheep from the snares of the enemy ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")), and His victory ensures that those who fix their eyes on Him will never be put to shame. For the believer, Christ is the living embodiment of this psalm's promise, providing not just temporary relief but eternal liberation from every spiritual and existential "net," enabling us to live in the freedom He secured through His ultimate sacrifice ([Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Freedom in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 141:8

But mine eyes [are] unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute.

Psalms 124:7

Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.

Psalms 124:8

Our help [is] in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.

Psalms 31:4

Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou [art] my strength.

Psalms 121:1

¶ A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

Psalms 121:2

My help [cometh] from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

Psalms 123:2

Behold, as the eyes of servants [look] unto the hand of their masters, [and] as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes [wait] upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us.