Psalms 51

Pss 51–65 These psalms of David share a common thread in their reflection on the experience of evil. In Ps 51, the psalmist confesses the evil he has done and asks God’s forgiveness. Psalms 52–64 lament specific evils that David experienced. A song of praise (Ps 65) brings David’s laments to an end.Ps 51 This moving prayer for restoration asks for God’s favor, mercy, forgiveness, and cleansing. Out of a broken spirit, the psalmist confesses and accepts responsibility for his sin (51:3-6), then petitions God to remove his guilt and renew him inwardly (51:7-12). The psalmist then recommits himself to a lifestyle of wisdom and joy in the service of God and others (51:13-17).51:title regarding the time Nathan . . . Bathsheba: See 2 Sam 11:1-27. The text of the psalm contains no explicit reference to this event.51:1-2 The repentant offender has nothing to offer God. He needs God’s favor, mercy, forgiveness, and blessing before he can experience renewal and restoration.51:1 A prayer for God’s mercy and kindness is part of the genre of lament. Sometimes the plea comes from the psalmist’s acknowledgment of his weakness and sin, as here (see also 6:2; 9:13; 25:16; 31:9; 41:4, 10). At other times, it arises from the psalmist’s commitment to the Lord (see 26:11; 27:7; 119:29, 58, 132). In each case, God’s mercy brings an inner renewal.

51:2 Wash me . . . Purify me: The psalmist prays for cleansing and release from the guilt of his sin (51:7; see 26:6; Isa 1:16, 18; 4:4).

51:3-6 The psalmist accepts the consequences of his sin against God. He knows that there is nothing good in him unless God renews his life.

51:4 Against . . . you alone: This is hyperbole—the psalmist knows he also sinned against human beings (2 Sam 11:2-4, 15-17), but his offense against God is more important. He expects God to rebuke him and will accept whatever verdict God renders (see Rom 3:4).

51:5 I was born a sinner: The psalmist is not making excuses but is acknowledging the depth of his sinfulness. From the time we are conceived, we all share in the human condition of sinfulness.

51:7 Purify me from my sins (literally Purify me with the hyssop branch; see Exod 12:22; Lev 14:4; John 19:29; Heb 9:19): The psalmist depends on God to purify and renew him (see Isa 1:18).

51:8 Regaining joy is a gracious gift from God. • you have broken me: The psalmist’s whole being feels broken (6:2; cp. 34:20).

51:10-12 God’s Spirit renews and recreates the human spirit.51:10 A loyal spirit yields the inner qualities of constancy and perseverance.

51:11 your Holy Spirit: Only the power of the Holy Spirit can change the human will to make it “loyal” (51:10) and “willing to obey” (51:12).

51:13 As he learns from his sin and its consequences, the psalmist wants to teach others.

51:14 shedding blood: This idiom includes any injustice, not just homicide (9:12; 58:10; see 2 Sam 11:14-26; cp. Isa 1:15-17).

51:18-19 rebuild the walls of Jerusalem: These verses were probably added as a prayer for national restoration after the Exile (see Pss 42–43); the entire community in exile identified with the spirit of the psalm.

51:19 Sacrifices offered in the right spirit come from a heart that is right with God and with others (see 15:2-5; 24:3-6; 50:14; Matt 5:23-24).