Psalms 25:14
The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse highlights that God's "friendship" isn't just a casual acquaintance, but a deep, intimate fellowship – like sharing secrets over a couch. It's not something earned, but revealed to those who respectfully acknowledge His authority, opening them up to truly understand the richness and promises of His covenant.
This psalm is a prayer for guidance and deliverance, as David is feeling oppressed and facing enemies. He's been lamenting his sins and asking God for mercy, seeking instruction and a clear path forward. Here, he contrasts those who fear the Lord with the wicked, highlighting the intimate relationship and revelation that God grants to the faithful.
Does 'fear' in the Bible mean being terrified or paralyzed with dread? In Psalm 25:14, the 'fear of the Lord' unlocks a unique relationship. Let's explore what it truly means.
When the Bible talks about 'fearing the Lord,' it's rarely about being scared. Think more along the lines of deep respect, awe, and a profound recognition of God's holiness and authority. It's about holding God in such high regard that it shapes your entire life and choices.
This isn't a fearful cowering, but a reverent submission. It's the attitude of someone who understands who God is and who they are in relation to Him. This respectful awe is the key that unlocks God's deeper fellowship.
What if God actively invites you into His confidence? Psalm 25:14 promises that those who revere Him get to know His 'secrets' and His 'covenant.' What does this amazing offer entail?
The original word translated as 'friendship' or 'secret' in this verse speaks of intimate fellowship, a close, confidential relationship. God doesn't keep His plans or His heart hidden from those who honor Him.
He actively makes known His covenant. This isn't just a dry legal document; it's God's promise of relationship, protection, guidance, and blessing. Through His Spirit, God illuminates the deep truths of His Word and His promises, helping us to understand and experience the richness of His commitment to us.
Understand the original words
sod · Hebrew Noun
A word denoting intimate, secret counsel or confidential communication. It describes a deep, close relationship characterized by trust and the sharing of hidden wisdom.
berit · Hebrew Noun
A solemn, formal, and binding agreement between God and His people. It is the primary structure of God’s relationship with humanity, built upon His promises, requirements, and faithfulness.
This passage directly echoes the idea that God's 'intimate friendship' (a good way to understand 'secret' here) is with the upright, emphasizing that trust and reverence lead to divine favor and understanding.
John 14:23Jesus promises that if anyone loves Him, His Father will love them, and 'we will come to them and make our home with them.' This shows the intimate fellowship God desires with those who follow Him, aligning with the 'friendship' mentioned in Psalms.
Amos 3:7This verse states, 'Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, unless he reveals his secret counsel to his servants the prophets.' It highlights that God intentionally shares His plans and 'secrets' with those who are His, mirroring the Psalmist's statement that God makes His covenant known.
1 Corinthians 2:10Paul explains that 'the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God,' and that God reveals to us what He has prepared for us. This powerfully illustrates how God's Spirit illuminates His covenant and deep truths to believers.
cambridgePsalms 25:14: "The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant."
14 . Mysterious spiritual blessings await him too. To those who fear Him Jehovah reveals His secret counsel. Cp. Proverbs 3:32 ; Psalm 111:10 ; Proverbs 1:7 ; Matthew 11:25 . For secret R.V. marg. gives alternatives counsel or friendship , ideas included in the word, which denotes the confidential intercourse of intimate fellowship. For examples see Genesis 18:17 ; Amos 3:7 . and he will shew…
pulpitPsalms 25:14: "The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant."
Verse 14. - The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him. God favours those who fear him with secret and confidential communion (comp. Proverbs 3:32). He "comes unto them, and makes his abode with them" (John 14:23), and "teaches them" (John 14:26), and enlightens them, and leads them in his way, and learns them (ver. 5), and "seals their instruction" (Job 33:16). And he will show them hi…
This verse highlights that God's "friendship" isn't just a casual acquaintance, but a deep, intimate fellowship – like sharing secrets over a couch. It's not something earned, but revealed to those who respectfully acknowledge His authority, opening them up to truly understand the richness and promises of His covenant.
This psalm is a prayer for guidance and deliverance, as David is feeling oppressed and facing enemies. He's been lamenting his sins and asking God for mercy, seeking instruction and a clear path forward. Here, he contrasts those who fear the Lord with the wicked, highlighting the intimate relationship and revelation that God grants to the faithful.
This psalm is a prayer for guidance and deliverance, as David is feeling oppressed and facing enemies. He's been lamenting his sins and asking God for mercy, seeking instruction and a clear path forward. Here, he contrasts those who fear the Lord with the wicked, highlighting the intimate relationship and revelation that God grants to the faithful.
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"The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant." — This verse highlights that God's "friendship" isn't just a casual acquaintance, but a deep, intimate fellowship – like sharing secrets over a couch. It's not something earned, but revealed to those w…
