Tyndale Open Study NotesPsalms 51

This heartfelt prayer for restoration seeks God's favor, mercy, forgiveness, and cleansing. With a broken spirit, the psalmist admits his sin and takes responsibility (Psalm 51:3–6). He then asks God to remove his guilt and renew him internally (Psalm 51:7–12). The psalmist commits again to living wisely and joyfully while serving God and others (Psalm 51:13–17).

The person who regrets their wrongdoing cannot offer anything to God. They need God's favor, mercy, forgiveness, and blessing to experience renewal and restoration.

These psalms of David share a common theme. They reflect on the experience of evil. In Psalm 51, the psalmist admits his wrongdoing and asks for God's forgiveness. Psalms 52–64 express sorrow over specific evils David faced. A song of praise (Psalm 65) brings David's laments to an end.

A prayer for God's mercy and kindness is a type of lament. Sometimes, the psalmist asks for mercy because he recognizes his own weakness and sin (see also Psalm 6:2; 9:13; 25:16; 31:9; 41:4, 10). Other times, the plea comes from the psalmist's dedication to the Lord (see Psalm 26:11; 27:7; 119:29, 58, 132). In every situation, God's mercy leads to inner renewal.

See 2 Samuel 11:1–27. The psalm does not directly mention this event.

Wash me … cleanse me: The psalmist asks for cleansing and freedom from the guilt of his sin (Psalm 51:7; see 26:6; Isaiah 1:16, 18; 4:4).

The psalmist accepts the results of his sin against God. He understands that he has no goodness without God's renewal.

Against You, You only: This is an exaggeration. The psalmist knows he also sinned against people (2 Samuel 11:2–4, 15–17), but his sin against God is more important. He expects God to rebuke him and will accept whatever verdict God gives (see Romans 3:4).

I was brought forth in iniquity: The psalmist is not making excuses but is admitting how deep his sinfulness is. From the time we are conceived, we all share in the human condition of sinfulness.

Purify me with hyssop (literally Purify me with the hyssop branch; see Exodus 12:22; Leviticus 14:4; John 19:29; Hebrews 9:19): The psalmist relies on God to cleanse and renew him (see Isaiah 1:18).

• Regaining joy is a gracious gift from God.

• You have crushed: The psalmist feels completely broken (Psalm 6:2; compare 34:20).

God’s Spirit renews and recreates the human spirit.

A loyal spirit produces inner strength. It helps a person remain faithful and continue even during difficulty.

Your Holy Spirit: Only the Holy Spirit can change a person's will to make it "right" (Psalm 51:10) and "willing" to obey (51:12).

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

bloodguilt: This expression refers to any injustice, not only killing someone (Psalm 9:12; 58:10; see 2 Samuel 11:14–26; compare Isaiah 1:15–17).

build up the walls of Jerusalem: These verses were likely added as a prayer for national restoration after the exile (see Psalms 42–43). The entire community in exile shared the feelings expressed in this psalm.

Sacrifices made with the right intentions come from a heart that is right with God and others (see Psalms 15:2–5; 24:3–6; 50:14; Matthew 5:23–24).