PSALM 51
This is the fourth of the Penitential Psalms. Like Psalm 32, it came out of David’s sin with Bathsheba (
Sin hurts the sinner. David’s whole being was affected by his sin: his eyes (v. 3), mind (v.
Sin hurts others. Sin can bring tragic consequences to the lives of others (James 1:13–16), especially one’s family. David’s sin led to Uriah’s death. Bathsheba’s baby died. David’s lovely daughter Tamar was violated by her brother Amnon, who was then killed by Absalom, who in turn was slain by Joab. Is a fleeting moment of sinful pleasure worth a lifetime of sorrow?
Sin hurts God. We hurt ourselves and others when we sin, but primarily, our sins are against God (v. 4). Sin makes us dirty (vv.
God is merciful and gracious and forgives when we come in repentance and faith (1 John 1:9). David did not want “cheap” forgiveness; he came with a broken heart.
“How sad it is to have to live with the consequences of forgiven sin”
William Culbertson
David’s Prayer
“Blot out my transgressions” was David’s prayer (Ps. 51:1). To see how God answers, read