Psalms 51
Read Psalms 51 (WEB)+
1Have mercy on me, God, according to your loving kindness. According to the multitude of your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. 2Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity. Cleanse me from my sin. 3For I know my transgressions. My sin is constantly before me. 4Against you, and you only, I have sinned, and done that which is evil in your sight; that you may be proved right when you speak, and justified when you judge. 5Behold, I was born in iniquity. In sin my mother conceived me. 6Behold, you desire truth in the inward parts. You teach me wisdom in the inmost place. 7Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean. Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8Let me hear joy and gladness, That the bones which you have broken may rejoice. 9Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all of my iniquities. 10Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me. 11Don’t throw me from your presence, and don’t take your holy Spirit from me. 12Restore to me the joy of your salvation. Uphold me with a willing spirit. 13Then I will teach transgressors your ways. Sinners shall be converted to you. 14Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, the God of my salvation. My tongue shall sing aloud of your righteousness. 15Lord, open my lips. My mouth shall declare your praise. 16For you don’t delight in sacrifice, or else I would give it. You have no pleasure in burnt offering. 17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. 18Do well in your good pleasure to Zion. Build the walls of Jerusalem. 19Then you will delight in the sacrifices of righteousness, in burnt offerings and in whole burnt offerings. Then they will offer bulls on your altar.
World English Bible (public domain)
“"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."”
Psalms 51:10
Summary
Psalm 51 is a poignant and heartfelt plea for mercy and forgiveness, traditionally attributed to David after his sin with Bathsheba. The chapter opens with David recognizing his need for God's grace and acknowledging his sins. He asks God to cleanse him with hyssop, a symbol of purification, and expresses a deep longing for spiritual renewal. The psalm progresses as David admits that his sin was ultimately against God and that he desires truth in his innermost being. He prays for a clean heart and steadfast spirit to be restored to him. The chapter concludes with David promising to teach others God's ways and declares that genuine sacrifice is not in offerings but in a contrite heart. The themes of repentance, forgiveness, and transformation underscore the psalm, highlighting the depth of David's contrition and his desire for a restored relationship with God.
Key Themes
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