2/15 Psalm 51

PSALM 51

AUTHOR: David

The Story Behind The Psalm

After David committed his sin concerning the death of Uriah and his unholy relationship with Bathsheba and after the death of their boy, a prophet named Nathan came to David and lovingly but sharply rebuked him for his sin. David was convicted, and he repented. He came to God and sought forgiveness in one of the most moving times of his life. He was forgiven. Psalm 51 is a penitential Psalm. It is David's prayer for forgiveness after his sin. In verses 1-4 he seeks forgiveness. In verses 5-12 he pleads for restoration. In verses 13-17 we find his promise to do better, and in verses 18 and 19 he asks God not to make his people suffer for his sin. Oh, the emotion that filled such statements as found in verse 1, "Have mercy upon me, 0 God, according to Thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out my trangressions." Then in verse 2, "Cleanse me from my sin." In verse 3, ''For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me." Feel his heartbreak in verse 4, "Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Thy sight." Then notice the appeal in verse 7, "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." See his appeal for restoration of joy in verse 12. Notice his promise to be a soul winner in verse 13. Have you drifted from God? Have you committed sin? Are you living in iniquity? Then flee to Psalm 51. Read it; make it your prayer.

The Way It Was Used by God's People

It is obvious that this is a penitential Psalm, and this is the Psalm that was read and sung by the Jews when they were truly sorry for their sin, either individually or nationally.