Psalms 25:2

KJV

O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.

KJV (with Strong's)

O my God {H430}, I trust {H982} in thee: let me not be ashamed {H954}, let not mine enemies {H341} triumph {H5970} over me.

Complete Jewish Bible

I trust you, my God. Don't let me be disgraced, don't let my enemies gloat over me.

Berean Standard Bible

in You, my God, I trust. Do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me.

American Standard Version

O my God, in thee have I trusted, Let me not be put to shame; Let not mine enemies triumph over me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 25:2 is a heartfelt prayer from David, expressing profound, personal trust in God amidst challenging circumstances. It is a fervent plea for divine vindication, asking that his faith not lead to public humiliation and that his adversaries would not gloat over his potential downfall. This verse encapsulates the universal human experience of seeking God's protection and honor in times of vulnerability, establishing a foundational theme of unwavering reliance on the Almighty even when surrounded by opposition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 25 is an acrostic psalm, though imperfectly executed in the Hebrew, where each verse (or pair of verses) begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This structure suggests a thoughtful, perhaps even meditative, composition designed for memorization and reflection. Within the broader psalm, [verse 2](/psalms/25-2 "Psalms 25:2 - David's Prayer of Trust and Vindication") immediately follows David's opening address to the Lord in [Psalms 25:1](/psalms/25-1 "Psalms 25:1 - David's Prayer of Trust and Guidance"), where he declares, "Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul." This establishes a posture of complete dependence and earnest supplication. [Verse 2](/psalms/25-2 "Psalms 25:2 - David's Prayer of Trust and Vindication") then elaborates on the nature of this dependence, articulating the specific concerns that drive his prayer: the fear of shame and the triumph of his enemies. The subsequent verses continue this theme, with David praying for guidance ([Psalms 25:4-5](/psalms/25-4-5 "Psalms 25:4-5 - David's Prayer for Guidance")), forgiveness ([Psalms 25:7](/psalms/25-7 "Psalms 25:7 - David's Plea for Forgiveness")), and protection from his foes ([Psalms 25:19-20](/psalms/25-19-20 "Psalms 25:19-20 - David's Prayer for Deliverance from Enemies")), all rooted in his initial declaration of trust.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David, as king and a man of faith, frequently faced both internal and external adversaries. The "enemies" mentioned here could be political rivals, foreign invaders, or even rebellious factions within Israel. In the ancient Near East, public shame and the triumph of one's enemies were not merely personal setbacks but deeply significant events that reflected on one's deity. If a person who claimed to trust in their god was defeated or humiliated, it was often interpreted as a sign that their god was either weak, unwilling, or non-existent. Thus, David's prayer "let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me" is not just about personal vindication but also about the honor and reputation of Yahweh, the God of Israel. His plea is for God to demonstrate His power and faithfulness publicly, thereby upholding His own name among the nations and His people. This cultural understanding of honor and shame underscores the intensity and theological depth of David's petition, highlighting the profound implications of a king's public standing for the perception of his God.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces several key themes prevalent throughout [Psalm 25](/psalms/25 "Psalm 25 - A Prayer for Guidance, Forgiveness, and Protection") and the Psalter. The most prominent is **Absolute Trust in God**, where David's declaration "O my God, I trust in thee" serves as the bedrock of his entire prayer. This trust is not a passive hope but an active, confident reliance on God's character and power, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. This deep reliance is echoed in [Proverbs 3:5](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart"), which encourages believers to "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart." Another crucial theme is **Prayer for Deliverance from Shame**, highlighting David's concern for personal integrity and, more critically, for God's honor. Being put to shame by enemies was a profound disgrace, often implying that one's deity was powerless. David prays that his faith will not prove futile or lead to public humiliation, a promise reiterated in [Romans 10:11](/romans/10-11 "Romans 10:11 - Whoever Believes in Him Will Not Be Put to Shame"). Finally, the theme of **Protection from Enemies' Triumph** underscores David's vulnerability and his desire for God's justice to be clearly manifested, preventing the malicious glee of his foes. This desire for divine intervention against adversaries is a recurring motif throughout the [Psalms](/psalms "The Book of Psalms"), reflecting the reality of spiritual and physical battles faced by believers.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Trust (Hebrew, _bâṭach'_):** This primitive root (H982, בָּטַח) signifies a deep-seated confidence, properly meaning "to hide for refuge." It implies a secure and certain reliance, allowing one to be bold and sure. David's declaration reflects a settled state of trusting, putting his full weight on God's unwavering character and power, confident that He will not fail.
* **Ashamed (Hebrew, _bûwsh'_):** This primitive root (H954, בּוּשׁ) literally means "to pale," and by implication, "to be ashamed." It also carries the sense of being disappointed, confounded, or disgraced. David's prayer is that his unwavering trust in God will not result in such public humiliation or disappointment, which would imply his faith was misplaced or God was unfaithful.
* **Triumph (Hebrew, _ʻâlats'_):** This primitive root (H5970, עָלַץ) denotes "to jump for joy" or "exult." In the context of enemies, it refers to their malicious glee or celebratory gloating over a perceived victory or downfall. David's petition is against his adversaries having this satisfaction, which would be interpreted as a sign of God's weakness or His servant's ultimate defeat.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O my God, I trust in thee":** This opening declaration is a profound personal affirmation of faith. "O my God" (אֱלֹהַי, H430) emphasizes a deeply personal relationship, acknowledging God as *his* God, a covenantal relationship. The phrase "I trust in thee" (בָּטַחְתִּי בָךְ) uses a perfect tense verb, indicating a settled, enduring state of trust that has been established and continues. It is the foundation upon which the subsequent petitions are built, signifying David's unwavering reliance on God's character, power, and faithfulness.
* **"let me not be ashamed":** This is a negative petition, expressing a fervent desire for God's intervention to prevent a specific outcome. "Ashamed" (אֵבוֹשׁ, H954) refers to public humiliation or disappointment. David fears that if his enemies triumph, it would make his trust in God appear foolish or misplaced, bringing disgrace upon himself and, more importantly, upon the name of God whom he serves. It is a prayer for vindication and for God to uphold His own honor by protecting His servant.
* **"let not mine enemies triumph over me":** This second negative petition directly addresses the source of potential shame. "Enemies" (אֹיְבַי, H341) refers to those who oppose him, whether personally, politically, or spiritually. "Triumph over me" (יַעַלְצוּ לִי, H5970) implies a malicious celebration or gloating over his downfall. David prays that God would prevent his adversaries from achieving their desired victory, which would be seen as a sign of their strength and God's weakness. This plea is for God to demonstrate His justice and power by frustrating the plans of the wicked.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 25:2 employs several potent literary devices that amplify its meaning and emotional impact. The most immediate is **Apostrophe**, where David directly addresses God ("O my God"), creating an intimate and personal tone for his prayer. This direct address underscores the depth of his relationship with the divine and the earnestness of his plea. There is also a strong element of **Parallelism**, specifically **Negative Parallelism**, in the two petitions: "let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me." The second clause reinforces and clarifies the first; the shame David fears is precisely the result of his enemies' triumph. This repetition emphasizes the dual nature of his concern: personal humiliation and the public victory of his foes. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Supplication**, a humble and earnest prayer for help, characteristic of the lament psalms. The entire verse is imbued with **Pathos**, evoking a sense of vulnerability and sincere longing for divine intervention, inviting the reader to empathize with David's plight and his unwavering faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 25:2 is a profound theological statement on the nature of faith and divine faithfulness. It asserts that true trust in God is never in vain, and that God is committed to vindicating those who faithfully rely on Him. David's prayer is not merely for personal safety, but for God's honor to be upheld in the face of those who would mock His power or His people. This verse teaches us that our trust in God has implications beyond ourselves; it testifies to God's character in the world. When believers are protected and delivered, it serves as a public declaration of God's sovereignty and faithfulness, preventing the enemies of God from celebrating what they might perceive as His defeat. This theme of divine vindication for the righteous is a cornerstone of biblical theology, affirming God's active involvement in the lives of His trusting children.

* [Psalms 31:1](/psalms/31-1 "Psalms 31:1 - In You, O Lord, I Take Refuge")
* [Isaiah 45:17](/isaiah/45-17 "Isaiah 45:17 - Israel Saved by the Lord with an Everlasting Salvation")
* [1 Peter 2:6](/1_peter/2-6 "1 Peter 2:6 - Whoever Believes in Him Will Not Be Put to Shame")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 25:2 provides a timeless model for how believers ought to approach God in times of distress and opposition. It teaches us that the starting point for any plea must be a settled, unwavering trust in God's character and power. When we face challenges, whether from external adversaries, difficult circumstances, or even our own internal struggles, our first response should be to declare our confident reliance on the Lord, just as David did. This verse empowers us to pray boldly against shame and defeat, not just for our personal comfort, but for the glory of God. It reminds us that our integrity and reputation are intertwined with God's honor, and that He is faithful to ensure that those who genuinely trust in Him will ultimately not be put to shame. In a world that often seeks to discredit faith or celebrate the downfall of the righteous, this psalm encourages us to persevere, knowing that our ultimate vindication comes from God alone. It cultivates resilience, anchoring our hope in a God who is both mighty to save and deeply concerned with the honor of His name.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it truly mean for me to "trust" in God, especially when circumstances seem to contradict His promises?**
* **In what areas of my life do I fear being "ashamed" or seeing my "enemies triumph," and how can I bring these fears to God in prayer?**
* **How does my personal trust in God contribute to the broader testimony of His faithfulness in the world?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more unwavering trust in God, even when facing significant opposition or vulnerability?**

### FAQ
**What kind of "enemies" is David referring to in this psalm?**

Answer: The "enemies" David refers to in [Psalms 25:2](/psalms/25-2 "Psalms 25:2 - David's Prayer of Trust and Vindication") and throughout the Psalter can be multifaceted. They often include literal, physical adversaries such as political rivals, foreign nations, or rebellious factions within Israel who sought to overthrow him or cause him harm. However, the term can also encompass spiritual adversaries, those who oppose God's will and His people, or even the abstract forces of evil and injustice. In a broader sense, for the believer today, "enemies" can represent any person, circumstance, or spiritual force that seeks to undermine faith, bring shame, or cause spiritual defeat. David's prayer is a universal cry for God's protection against all forms of opposition that threaten to bring dishonor to God's name through the perceived failure of His servant.

**Does this verse mean that believers will never experience shame or defeat?**

Answer: No, the verse does not promise an absence of struggle or temporary setbacks, but rather an ultimate vindication and prevention of *ultimate* shame or triumph of enemies in a way that dishonors God. Believers, like David, will undoubtedly face trials, opposition, and even moments of personal failure or public humiliation. However, the core promise of this verse, reinforced throughout Scripture, is that those who genuinely trust in God will not be *ultimately* put to shame. [Romans 10:11](/romans/10-11 "Romans 10:11 - Whoever Believes in Him Will Not Be Put to Shame") declares, "For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed." This means that in God's perfect timing and according to His sovereign plan, He will ensure that the faith of His people is justified, and their adversaries will not have the final, gloating victory. Our temporary struggles are often part of God's refining process, leading to a deeper reliance on Him and a greater display of His power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 25:2 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David's plea, "O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me," resonates deeply with the experience of the Messiah. Jesus, in His earthly ministry, lived a life of perfect trust in His Father, even when facing the most intense opposition and the ultimate shame of the cross. He was mocked, reviled, and crucified, an apparent triumph for His enemies, yet He never wavered in His absolute reliance on God. The shame of the cross, which seemed to be the ultimate triumph of His adversaries and the forces of darkness, was in fact the very means by which God achieved the greatest victory. As [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking Unto Jesus") states, Jesus "for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame." His resurrection from the dead undeniably demonstrated that His trust was not put to shame, and His enemies did not triumph over Him. Instead, He triumphed over sin, death, and the grave, securing eternal vindication not only for Himself but for all who trust in Him. Through Christ, David's prayer becomes a living reality for every believer: because Jesus was not ultimately put to shame, those who place their trust in Him will likewise never be put to shame, for their victory is found in His. The ultimate triumph over all enemies belongs to the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who sits at the right hand of the Father, having "spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")).

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

Romans 10:11

For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Psalms 41:11

By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me.

Psalms 71:1

¶ In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.

Psalms 22:5

They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.

Romans 5:5

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Psalms 142:6

Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.

Psalms 31:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.