Psalms 51

Psalms 51:1

Title. when Nathan the prophet came unto him] 2 Samuel 12:1. and 2 Samuel 11:2. To reprove him, because he had committed so horrible sins, and lain in the same so long without repentance.

ACcording to thy loving kindnesse] As his sins were manifold and great, so he desireth that God would give him the feeling of his excellent and abundant mercies.

Psalms 51:2

Wash me thorowly from mine iniquitie] My sins stick so fast to me, that I have need of some singular kinde of washing. He alludes to the legall washings.

Psalms 51:3

For I acknowledge my transgressions] My conscience accuseth me so, that I can have no rest till I be reconciled.

Psalms 51:4

Against thee] Because, as sin, it was properly against God: as all inditements in criminall pleas are stiled, Against the king, his crown and dignity.

that thou mightest be justified] Romans 3:4.

when thou speakest] When thou givest sentence against sinners, they must needs confesse thee to be just, and themselves offenders.

Psalms 51:5

I was shapen in iniquitie] He here brings all his actuall transgressions to the fountain of them, originall corruption, Rom. 7. 8, &c. By this phrase, in sin, expressing that ins possessing the whole man, John 9:34. Acts 8:23. Eph. 2. 1. are as waters wherein a man is over-whelmed.

conceive me] Heb. warm me.

Psalms 51:6

thou desirest truth in the inward parts] He confesseth that God, who loveth purenesse of heart, may justly destroy man, who is sinfull by nature, much more him, whom he had instructed in his heavenly wisdom.

Psalms 51:7

Purge me with hyspe, and I shall be clean] Vers. 2. Leviticus 14:6. Numbers 19:18.

and I shall be clean] Or, that I may be clean

and I shall be whiter] Or, that I may be whiter. As Malachi 1:9.

Psalms 51:8

Make me to hear joy and gladnesse] He meaneth Gods comfortable mercies towards repentant sinners.

the bones which thou hast broken] By the bones he understandeth all strength of soul and body, which by care and mourning is consumed.

Psalms 51:10

Create in me a clean heart] He confesseth that when Gods spirit is cold in us, to have it again revived, is as a new creation.

a right spirit] Or, a constant spirit.

Psalms 51:11

Cast me not away from thy presence] This was an effect of Gods utmost anger, Genesis 4:16. 2 Kings 24:20. Jere. 7. 15. and 52. 3.

Psalms 51:12

uphold me with thy free spirit] Which may assure me, that I am drawn out of the slavery of sin, and assure me of freedom, 2 Corinthians 3:17.

Psalms 51:13

thy wayes] He promiseth to endeavour, that others by his example may turn to God.

Psalms 51:14

Deliver me from blood-guiltinesse] From the murder of Uriah, and others, that were slain with him, 1 Samuel 11:17.

blood] Heb. bloods.

Psalms 51:15

open thou my lips] By giving me occasion to praise thee, when thou shalt forgive my sins.

Psalms 51:16

thou desirest not sacrifice] Thou likest not of sacrifice, so well as of praise.

else would I give it] Or, that I should give it.

Psalms 51:17

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit] Isaiah 57:15. and Isaiah 66:2. Psalms 34:18. A heart wounded for sin, and seeking to God for mercy in faith.

Psalms 51:18

Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion] He prayeth for the whole church, because through his sin it was in danger of Gods judgement.

in] Or, for.

Psalms 51:19

with the sacrifices of righteousnesse] That is, just, and lawfull, applied to their right end, which is the exercise of faith and repentance.