nor my rebellious acts
Rebellion against God is a recurring theme in Scripture, often leading to dire consequences, as illustrated in the history of Israel (e.g., Numbers 14:9). The psalmist's acknowledgment of rebellion indicates a heart of repentance, seeking restoration. This plea is reminiscent of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32, who returns to his father after a period of rebellion. The psalmist desires a relationship with God that is not hindered by past disobedience.

remember me according to Your loving devotion
The request for God to remember the individual according to His loving devotion, or "chesed" in Hebrew, highlights the covenantal love God has for His people. This steadfast love is a central theme in the Old Testament, as seen in God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It underscores God's faithfulness and mercy, as in Lamentations 3:22-23, where His mercies are new every morning. The psalmist appeals to this divine attribute, trusting in God's unchanging nature.

because of Your goodness, O LORD
The appeal to God's goodness is a recognition of His inherent nature. Throughout Scripture, God's goodness is celebrated, as in Psalm 34:8, which invites believers to "taste and see that the LORD is good." This goodness is not just moral excellence but also encompasses His benevolent actions towards humanity. The psalmist's plea is grounded in the belief that God's goodness leads Him to forgive and restore. This reflects the New Testament understanding of God's kindness leading to repentance, as stated in Romans 2:4.

“Remember not the sins of my youth…” (Psalm 25:7a) reaches back to the careless days when David—and we—acted without foresight or restraint. Youthful sins may be

• impulsive choices that leave lingering regret (Psalm 51:1-3),

• attitudes formed by peer pressure rather than God’s wisdom (Job 13:26 speaks of “iniquities of my youth”),

• flesh-driven desires that Scripture urges us to “flee” even in adulthood (2 Timothy 2:22).

David’s request is not denial of past wrongdoing but a plea that God will no longer bring those failures into judgment. Because Christ has borne our guilt once for all (1 Peter 2:24), the Father can truly “remember no more” (Hebrews 8:12) the sins confessed and forsaken.

Sins of youth may be rash, yet “rebellious acts” (v. 7b) are conscious, defiant choices that spurn God’s authority. They echo Israel’s pattern of stiff-necked resistance (Isaiah 1:2). David admits both categories:

• Covered transgressions: “Blessed is the man whose transgression is forgiven” (Psalm 32:1-2).

• Open revolt: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive” (1 John 1:9).

By naming rebellion, we strip it of power. We do not excuse or redefine it; we bring it into the light where grace prevails (John 3:21).

Rather than rehearse our failures, David asks God to call to mind His own covenant love: “remember me according to Your loving devotion” (v. 7c). Scripture continually points to God’s unfailing kindness (Psalm 103:8-12; Lamentations 3:22-23). Because His love is:

• Steadfast—never fluctuating with our performance (Romans 8:38-39),

• Active—moving toward sinners in rescue (Ephesians 2:4-5),

• Covenantal—binding because He swore by Himself (Genesis 22:16-17),

we can appeal to it with confidence, knowing He delights in mercy (Micah 7:18).

David grounds the entire plea in God’s moral excellence: “because of Your goodness, O LORD” (v. 7d). The request rests on who God is, not who David is. Throughout Scripture:

• “You, Lord, are good and forgiving” (Psalm 86:5),

• God’s kindness leads to repentance (Romans 2:4),

• Salvation springs from His goodness, not our works (Titus 3:4-5).

Appealing to divine goodness guards us from both despair (“I have sinned too deeply”) and pride (“I can earn pardon”). Every sin, whether youthful folly or mature rebellion, meets its match in the perfect goodness of God revealed in Christ.

Psalm 25:7 invites us to honest confession without fear. We ask the Lord to set aside the record of our past—both naïve missteps and willful defiance—and to remember us instead through the lens of His steadfast love and goodness. Because His character is unchangingly gracious, He answers this prayer, cleansing the repentant and restoring fellowship with Himself.