Psalm 51
Some Psalms identify the occasion for which they were written. The “first verse” of Psalm 51 states that it was written soon after Nathan the prophet spoke with David about his sin of adultery with Bathsheba, saying, “You are the [guilty] man!” After David repented of his sin, Nathan told him, “The Lord has put away your sin.”
The first two verses are David’s anguished cry pleading for God’s mercy and grace. David’s cry for mercy is a confession of his utter unworthiness and a cry of faith in God as his only hope for salvation. God has loving-kindness to forgive sin without any merit in us. The repentant sinner realizes that it is from the Lord’s mercy that he is not consumed. In spite of the terrible sins of adultery, murder, and a stubborn cover-up; David asks God to “blot out my transgressions” so that He sees them no more. Acknowledging the filthy pollution of his sins, David prays that God thoroughly washes and cleanses his heart from the stains of sin. These pictures do not speak of making his heart pure, but of the gospel declaration that a sinner is justified before God through faith in the Messiah.
In section two (verses 3 to 4), David speaks about the horrible nature of his sins. Notice that he does not specify which sins he is confessing; but David realizes how much he has offended God. The hellish nature of these sins causes him not to forget what he has done. He confesses what sin really is—a sin against God, a violation of God’s law, an insult to God’s dignity and holiness. When God judges on the last day, everyone will acknowledge that God is just and that He is without blame when He punishes sin.
Section three (verses 5to 6) deal with the corrupt nature of mankind. David, as every other descendant of Adam and Eve, was born a sinner, spiritually dead, and a child of Satan. This sinful condition began at David’s conception, receiving his sinful nature from his parents. From this corrupt nature springs all the other sins David confessed. On His part, God desires to find truth in the heart and the fear of God as the beginning of wisdom. Only God can give us these gifts, which lead towards repentance and faith.
Section four (verses 7 to 9) is a prayer asking God to cleanse the sinner. Hyssop was used in ceremonies of purification. Only God can purge and cleanse the sinner, as He pronounces His forgiveness and justifies (declares “not guilty) the sinner. David, as a forgiven sinner, desires to hear the gospel, which brings joy and gladness to his heart. His grief over sin is described as “broken bones;” but now they rejoice. Again David prays that God would hide His face from his sins and blot out iniquities. The Christian is to ask for God’s forgiveness again and again during his life (not because God does not forgive, but because of the many and grievous sins). It must also be a prayer of faith in the Messiah.
Section five (verses 10 to 13) is another prayer regarding the believer’s life. Cleansed of sin, David prays for a new spiritual heart and a steadfast faith. The Christian life needs the Holy Spirit to hold up our faith and to move them to do God’s will. Only by God’s help can he teach others about God’s forgiveness and give them God’s Word so that they will be converted and believe on the Messiah.
In verses 14 to 19 David calls upon God to forgive him so that his tongue may praise God for the salvation He gave. God does not desire mere outward sacrifices or mechanical worship, but delights in those who repent of their sins and trust in the Messiah to forgive them.