02.051. Psalm 51

Psalms 51:1-19 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David,
when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone into Bathsheba. This psalm was penned by David, when reproved by Nathan for his adultery with Bathsheba, and for his murder of Uriah, 2 Samuel 12:1-31. We have in it, (1.) David’s candid and truly sorrowful acknowledgments of his sin, particularly his adultery and murder, as highly dishonouring to God; and of his original sin, as the source thereof, Psalms 51:1-5, Psalms 51:17. (2.) His earnest supplications for pardon of his offences, and for heart-purifying, and renewing grace; for renewed influences of the Holy Ghost; for peace of conscience, and comfortable fellowship with God, for himself, Psalms 51:1-2, Psalms 51:6-15; and for reformation of, and prosperity to the church, which had been hurt by his sin, Psalms 51:18-19. (3.) His sincere purposes of heart, to improve God’s favour to himself, in promoting the instruction of others, and in giving them an honourable pattern of an exact celebration of God’s public worship, Psalms 51:13-16, Psalms 51:19.

While I sing this penitential psalm, let my heart be filled with clear but evangelic views of my aggravated, my unnumbered transgressions; and with deep sorrow and remorse for them. Let me pour forth supplications, strong cries and tears to him who is able to forgive all mine iniquities, and to deliver me from every corruption. Let me wash myself in Jesus’ blood, as the fountain opened to men for sin and for uncleanness.