Psalm 51
Psalm 51 is a heartfelt plea for mercy, written by David after the prophet Nathan confronted him about his sin with Bathsheba. It reflects David’s deep remorse and desire for spiritual renewal. He acknowledges his sin, appeals to God's mercy, and asks for cleansing, knowing that only God can restore his broken spirit. This psalm serves as a model of repentance, showing that genuine sorrow for sin leads to restoration through God’s grace.
Psalm 51:1-2 (NKJV)
1 Have mercy upon me, O God,
According to Your lovingkindness;
According to the multitude of Your tender mercies,
Blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
And cleanse me from my sin.
David begins by appealing to God's mercy, relying on His love and compassion. He recognizes the seriousness of his sin and asks God to erase it completely. The request to be “washed” and “cleansed” reflects his desire for spiritual purification, understanding that only God can remove his guilt and make him clean.
Psalm 51:3-4 (NKJV)
3 For I acknowledge my transgressions,
And my sin is always before me.
4 Against You, You only, have I sinned,
And done this evil in Your sight—
That You may be found just when You speak,
And blameless when You judge.
David openly admits his wrongdoing, showing that repentance begins with confession. Although others were affected by his sin, David sees his offense primarily against God. He acknowledges God's right to judge him, emphasizing that God's judgment is just and righteous.
Psalm 51:5-6 (NKJV)
5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
And in sin my mother conceived me.
6 Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts,
And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.
David acknowledges that sin is deeply ingrained in human nature, present from birth. Yet, he knows that God values sincerity and desires inner truth. David longs for God's wisdom to transform him at the core of his being, moving beyond outward obedience to inward change.
Psalm 51:7-9 (NKJV)
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Make me hear joy and gladness,
That the bones You have broken may rejoice.
9 Hide Your face from my sins,
And blot out all my iniquities.
David uses the imagery of hyssop, a plant used in ceremonial cleansing, to express his desire for complete spiritual purification. He longs for restoration, asking God to renew his joy and lift the heavy burden of guilt. David desires God's forgiveness so fully that his sins would no longer be remembered.
Psalm 51:10-12 (NKJV)
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
David earnestly prays for inner renewal, recognizing that only God can create a clean heart within him. He longs for a steadfast spirit, one that is unwavering in devotion to God. Aware of his need for God’s close presence, he pleads, “Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.” Here, David sees the Holy Spirit as God’s personal, sustaining presence in his life, providing guidance and strength. His ultimate desire is for the joy of salvation to be restored, upheld by God’s generous Spirit, who continually empowers and renews him.
Psalm 51:13-15 (NKJV)
13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
And sinners shall be converted to You.
14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
The God of my salvation,
And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.
15 O Lord, open my lips,
And my mouth shall show forth Your praise.
David commits to sharing his experience of God’s forgiveness with others, leading them to repentance. He asks for deliverance from the guilt of his past actions, promising to praise God openly. His restoration would empower him to declare God's righteousness and mercy.
Psalm 51:16-17 (NKJV)
16 For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it;
You do not delight in burnt offering.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,
A broken and a contrite heart—
These, O God, You will not despise.
David understands that outward sacrifices alone cannot please God without a humble heart. He emphasizes that God values inner repentance more than ritual offerings. A broken and contrite heart, full of genuine sorrow for sin, is what God desires most.
Psalm 51:18-19 (NKJV)
18 Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion;
Build the walls of Jerusalem.
19 Then You shall be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness,
With burnt offering and whole burnt offering;
Then they shall offer bulls on Your altar.
David concludes with a prayer for the well-being of Jerusalem, asking God to restore the community along with himself. Once the people are in right standing with God, their offerings will again be acceptable. David highlights that righteous sacrifices are meaningful when accompanied by repentance and renewal.