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Psalms 25:17 meaning

Psalm 25:17 highlights the call for divine rescue from overwhelming burdens.

David, who reigned as King of Israel from about 1010 BC to 970 BC, cries out in desperation when he prays, “The troubles of my heart are enlarged; Bring me out of my distresses.” (v.17) He acknowledges how burdens can grow beyond one’s capacity to handle them alone. This heartfelt petition underscores our need to turn to God as the One who can lift our spirits when life’s weight becomes overwhelming. In this verse, David reveals a humble trust, inviting all believers to cast their cares upon the Lord, who not only listens but also guides us through valleys of turmoil.

By saying, “The troubles of my heart are enlarged” (v.17), David confesses that he is facing more than external problems; his very heart is weighed down. This openness reminds us that our inner struggles—such as chronic worry, fear, or sorrow—can be the most pressing. Yet the psalmist doesn’t stay in despair. Instead, he beckons God to “bring me out of my distresses” (v.17), highlighting how the Lord is able to provide relief, much like Jesus affirms in the New Testament when He tells people to come to Him for rest (Matthew 11:28).

In these words of David, there is an unshakable hope that God will deliver His people from chaos, just as He has done throughout biblical history. Though the verse itself does not name specific places, the broader Psalm draws upon David’s experiences in locations like the wilderness around Judea and the city of Jerusalem, places central to Israel’s story. David’s confidence in the Lord’s ability to rescue extends to anyone who entrusts their burdens to Him, acknowledging that true deliverance comes from God alone.

Psalms 25:17