Psalms 25:16

KJV

Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I [am] desolate and afflicted.

KJV (with Strong's)

Turn {H6437} thee unto me, and have mercy {H2603} upon me; for I am desolate {H3173} and afflicted {H6041}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Turn to me, and show me your favor; for I am alone and oppressed.

Berean Standard Bible

Turn to me and be gracious, for I am lonely and afflicted.

American Standard Version

Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; For I am desolate and afflicted.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 25:16 is a profound and vulnerable plea from the psalmist, likely David, to God. It expresses a deep sense of personal distress, characterized by feelings of extreme isolation and overwhelming hardship. The verse is a fervent cry for divine attention and compassion, born out of a recognition of utter dependence on God's mercy amidst a desolate and afflicted state. It encapsulates the human experience of profound suffering and the desperate, yet hopeful, turning to a sovereign God for solace and intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 25 is an acrostic psalm, though imperfectly so, where each verse (or pair of verses) generally begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This structural element underscores its meditative and prayerful nature, guiding the petitioner through a comprehensive appeal to God. The psalm is a heartfelt prayer for guidance, forgiveness of sins, and deliverance from enemies and personal struggles. Verse 16 appears amidst a series of petitions where David lays bare his soul, acknowledging his desperate situation. Preceding verses express his longing for God's instruction ([Psalm 25:4-5](/psalms/25-4 "Psalm 25:4-5 - David's Prayer for Guidance")), confession of sin ([Psalm 25:7](/psalms/25-7 "Psalm 25:7 - David's Prayer for Forgiveness")), and appeals to God's character of steadfast love and truth ([Psalm 25:6](/psalms/25-6 "Psalm 25:6 - God's Mercies and Lovingkindness")). The cry in verse 16, "Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I [am] desolate and afflicted," serves as a raw, immediate expression of his profound personal need for God's direct presence and intervention in his suffering, reinforcing the urgent tone that permeates the entire psalm.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Attributed to King David, Psalm 25 likely reflects a period of significant personal or national crisis. While the specific circumstances are not detailed, David's life was frequently marked by periods of intense opposition from enemies, personal failings, and the consequences of those failings (e.g., Absalom's rebellion). In ancient Israel, a king's well-being was often seen as intertwined with the nation's. To be "desolate" (יָחִיד, _yachid_) or "afflicted" (עָנִי, _ani_) could refer to social ostracism, physical hardship, economic destitution, or even a sense of divine abandonment due to sin or perceived unworthiness. The cultural expectation was that God would defend the righteous and humble, while the proud and wicked would stumble. David's plea, therefore, is not merely a personal lament but also an appeal to God's covenant faithfulness and His reputation as the defender of the vulnerable and oppressed, a theme found throughout [the Psalms](/psalms "The Book of Psalms - Songs and Prayers of Israel").
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 25:16 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Mercy and Compassion**, emphasizing that God's intervention is not based on human merit but on His intrinsic nature of _hesed_ ( steadfast love) and _rachamim_ (compassion), as seen in [Psalm 25:6](/psalms/25-6 "Psalm 25:6 - God's Mercies and Lovingkindness"). Secondly, it underscores **Human Vulnerability and Lament**, providing a model for honest and unreserved prayer in times of deep distress. David's willingness to articulate his "desolate and afflicted" state validates the expression of raw emotion before God. Thirdly, the verse reinforces the theme of **Absolute Dependence on God**, illustrating that even a powerful king like David recognized his utter helplessness without divine aid. His turning to God is an act of faith, affirming God as the ultimate refuge and source of deliverance, a truth echoed in [Psalm 62:5-8](/psalms/62-5 "Psalm 62:5-8 - My Soul Waits for God Alone"). Finally, the verse touches upon the **Nature of Suffering**, portraying it as multifaceted, encompassing both profound isolation and overwhelming hardship, inviting believers to bring their full spectrum of pain to their Creator.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Turn (Hebrew, _panah'_):** This verb, פָּנָה (_panah_), means "to turn," "to face," or "to direct oneself." In the imperative "Turn thee unto me," it is a direct and urgent command or plea for God to change His posture or attention towards the psalmist. It implies a perceived distance or lack of divine engagement and expresses a deep longing for God's active presence and benevolent regard. It is a request for God to "turn His face" (cf. [Numbers 6:25](/numbers/6-25 "Numbers 6:25 - The Lord Make His Face Shine Upon You")) towards the petitioner, signifying favor, attention, and readiness to act.
* **Desolate (Hebrew, _yachid'_):** The Hebrew word יָחִיד (_yachid_) literally means "only one," "solitary," or "unique." In this context, it conveys a profound sense of isolation, loneliness, and abandonment. It's more than just being alone; it speaks to a feeling of being utterly forsaken, perhaps even unique in one's suffering, with no one to turn to for help or comfort. This term emphasizes extreme vulnerability and a deep emotional void, highlighting the psalmist's feeling of being utterly without support or companionship.
* **Afflicted (Hebrew, _ani'_):** The term עָנִי (_ani_) describes someone who is poor, humble, oppressed, or suffering. It encompasses a broad range of distress, including material poverty, social marginalization, physical hardship, and spiritual brokenness. It often implies a state of being downtrodden or lacking the power and resources to alleviate one's own suffering. When used in connection with God, it frequently carries the connotation of humility and dependence, as the "afflicted" are those who are forced to rely entirely on divine intervention, a state often met with God's special favor (cf. [Psalm 34:6](/psalms/34-6 "Psalm 34:6 - This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Turn thee unto me":** This is an imperative plea, a direct and urgent appeal for God's personal attention. It implies a sense of the psalmist feeling overlooked or abandoned by God, or perhaps that God's face is hidden due to sin or distress. The request is for God to actively engage, to look upon the psalmist's condition with favor and concern, signifying a desire for divine presence and intervention.
* **"and have mercy upon me":** Following the request for attention, this clause is a plea for divine compassion and grace. The psalmist acknowledges his desperate need for God's unmerited favor, recognizing that his hope lies not in his own righteousness or ability but solely in God's merciful character. This is a cry for God to act out of His lovingkindness and pity, providing relief from the current distress.
* **"for I [am] desolate and afflicted":** This final clause provides the justification for the psalmist's urgent plea. It articulates the profound depth of his suffering, describing his state as one of extreme isolation ("desolate") and overwhelming hardship ("afflicted"). This twin description paints a picture of comprehensive distress—emotional, social, and perhaps physical—underscoring his utter helplessness and desperate need for God's immediate and compassionate response. It is a raw, honest confession of vulnerability before God.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 25:16 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The primary device is **Lament**, as the entire psalm, and this verse in particular, functions as a heartfelt cry of distress and petition to God. The psalmist uses **Direct Address** ("Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me"), speaking immediately and intimately to God, which enhances the personal and urgent nature of the prayer. There is also a form of **Parallelism** in the concluding phrase "desolate and afflicted," where two distinct but complementary terms are used to intensify the description of the psalmist's suffering, creating a comprehensive picture of his internal and external distress. The word "desolate" itself can be seen as a **Metaphor** or **Imagery**, evoking the picture of a barren, empty, or abandoned place, reflecting the psalmist's internal state of profound isolation and lack of support. This rich use of language draws the reader into the psalmist's emotional experience and underscores the depth of his reliance on God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 25:16 resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative concerning God's character and humanity's relationship with Him. It affirms God's nature as one who hears the cries of the afflicted and is abundant in mercy. The psalmist's turning to God in his desolate and afflicted state exemplifies the consistent biblical call for the humble and brokenhearted to seek the Lord, trusting in His compassionate response. This verse underscores the theological truth that vulnerability and honest lament are not signs of weakness but pathways to deeper communion with God, who is always near to those who suffer. It highlights the divine promise that even in the darkest moments of isolation and oppression, God remains the ultimate source of comfort, deliverance, and restoration, inviting all who feel forsaken to cast their burdens upon Him.

* [Psalm 34:18](/psalms/34-18 "Psalm 34:18 - The Lord is near the brokenhearted")
* [Isaiah 55:7](/isaiah/55-7 "Isaiah 55:7 - God's Abundant Pardon")
* [James 4:8](/james/4-8 "James 4:8 - Draw Near to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 25:16 offers timeless encouragement and guidance for believers navigating the complex landscape of human suffering, whether it manifests as profound loneliness, spiritual dryness, or overwhelming circumstantial pressures. David's raw honesty in articulating his "desolate and afflicted" state provides a sacred permission to lament, validating the expression of our deepest pains and vulnerabilities before God. This verse reminds us that authentic prayer is not about presenting a facade of strength, but about bringing our true, broken selves to our Creator. When we feel utterly alone or crushed by life's burdens, the directive "Turn thee unto me" serves as a powerful reminder that our first and most effective response is to seek God's face and mercy, rather than retreating into isolation or despair. It cultivates a profound confidence in God's unwavering character—His steadfast love and compassion—which is the unshakable foundation for our hope, even when we feel utterly helpless. This psalm encourages us to embrace our dependence, knowing that the God who hears the cry of the desolate and afflicted is ever ready to extend His comforting presence and transformative grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's raw honesty in describing himself as "desolate and afflicted" encourage your own prayer life, especially when you feel vulnerable?**
* **In what specific ways do you currently feel "desolate" (isolated, alone, unique in suffering) or "afflicted" (oppressed, burdened, struggling), and how might turning to God in these areas bring comfort and strength?**
* **What does David's plea for mercy teach us about our absolute dependence on God's grace, rather than our own merit or strength, in times of distress?**

### FAQ

**Is "desolate" merely about loneliness, or something more?**

Answer: While "desolate" certainly encompasses loneliness, the Hebrew word _yachid_ (יָחִיד) is richer and more profound. It literally means "only one" or "unique," suggesting a state of being utterly alone in one's suffering, without parallel or companion. It can imply being forsaken, isolated, or even singularly afflicted, emphasizing a deep emotional and spiritual void. It's the feeling of being utterly without support, much like the first human was created "alone" before God provided a helper ([Genesis 2:18](/genesis/2-18 "Genesis 2:18 - It is not good for man to be alone")). So, it's not just about lacking company, but about a profound sense of being singular in one's distress, perhaps even feeling abandoned by God or humanity.

**How does God "turn" to us in response to such a plea?**

Answer: When the psalmist asks God to "turn thee unto me," it's a plea for God's active and favorable engagement. God "turning" to us signifies His attentive presence, His compassionate gaze, and His readiness to intervene. It implies a shift from a perceived distance or hiddenness to direct interaction and benevolent action. This can manifest as a renewed sense of God's presence, the provision of comfort and strength, the alleviation of suffering, or the granting of wisdom and guidance. It's an expression of God's covenant faithfulness, where He actively demonstrates His care and deliverance to those who humbly seek Him, just as He promised to "make His face shine upon" His people ([Numbers 6:25](/numbers/6-25 "Numbers 6:25 - The Lord Make His Face Shine Upon You")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 25:16 finds its ultimate and most poignant fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. David's cry of being "desolate and afflicted" foreshadows the profound isolation and suffering experienced by the Son of God. While David's desolation stemmed from his own struggles and sins, Christ's affliction was borne on behalf of humanity's sin, leading Him to the deepest possible desolation on the cross. His cry, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")), echoes David's lament, revealing a moment of profound spiritual abandonment as He bore the weight of sin. Yet, in His desolation, Christ became the ultimate source of mercy and solace for all who are desolate and afflicted. Because He experienced the depths of human suffering and isolation, He is able to sympathize with our weaknesses ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")) and promises never to leave us as orphans ([John 14:18](/john/14-18 "John 14:18 - I Will Not Leave You As Orphans")). Through His sacrifice, Jesus "turned" God's face towards humanity, securing divine mercy for all who turn to Him in faith, transforming our desolate state into one of adoption and eternal communion with God ([Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption")). He is the Good Shepherd who seeks out the lost and afflicted, offering rest for our weary souls ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")).

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 86:16

O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid.

Micah 7:19

He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

Psalms 143:4

Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.

Psalms 69:14

Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters.

Psalms 69:20

Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked [for some] to take pity, but [there was] none; and for comforters, but I found none.

Daniel 9:17

Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord's sake.

Psalms 88:15

I [am] afflicted and ready to die from [my] youth up: [while] I suffer thy terrors I am distracted.