Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me. The approach of peril is regarded as a sign that God has "turned away his face." He is besought, therefore, to turn towards one who needs his aid. For I am desolate and afflicted (comp. Psalms 25:17, Psalms 25:18). The affliction evidently comes from enemies, either foreign or domestic (Psalms 25:2, Psalms 25:19); but its nature is not further indicated.
The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses. Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins. The affliction, of whatever kind it may have been, was regarded by David as a punishment sent on him for his sins. Of his sins he was at this time deeply conscious (Psalms 25:7, Psalms 25:11) and deeply repentant. Probably they included his great sin (see the comment on Psalms 25:11).