Psalms 51

Nathan] To reprove him for his sinne, so long unrepented, 2 Sam. XI. and XII. chapters. Written, upon that argument, though not at that time.

gone in] Gen. VI. 4.

Bathsheba] The daughter of Eliam, 2 Sam. XI. 3. called also Bathshua, daughter of Ammiel, 1 Chron. III. 5.

Psalms 51:1

Have mercie] A rare example of repentance: and useful against despair: as his fearful fall should make us watchful over our selves; not presume of our own strength; but ever to eye, trust to, and depend upon God and his preventing, assisting Grace. Mercie here, and the multitude of Gods tender mercies, is his Citie of Refuge, and shute-anchor. No defense for himself, no other plea can he make.

Psalms 51:2

wash me] And so verse 7. alluding to the Legal washings, Levit. XI. 25, 32. Exod. XIX. 10. Num. XIX. 19. Thus he prayes, and thus he deals throughout this Psalme; even after Nathans absolution. And thus true Penitents will do.

Psalms 51:3

For I acknowledge] Prov. XXVIII. 13. 1. John I. 9. So Esay LIX. 12. Jer. III. 13.

Psalms 51:4

Cited, Rom. III. 4. with no variation in sense.

thee only] Not because he a King, and so exempt from the power of others: But because this was his greatest grief, to offend God, 1 Sam. II. 24, 25. and such a God, so good to him, 2 Sam. VII. 18, 19. and that God should so suffer in this his sinne; 2 Sam. XII. 14. who yet only could pardon his sinne, Matth. IX. 3. as against whom, and whose commandment properly, all sinne is committed.

in thy sight] God then sees the sinnes of his Saints; yea more, he is offended with them, reproves them, makes his Saints smart for them; as in the Scripture plentifully appears. That place Num. XXIII. 21. is blindly brought against this truth, as if they would make God a blinde idol, and not an omniscient God. Or, as if that text had not relation to the Saints under the Old Testament, before that grace, which they say, is given in the New.

that thou mightest be justified] Acquitted, glorified, by this my confession, Josh. VII. 19.

when thou speakest] In thy reproof by Nathan.

and be clear] Clearly overcome, be unreprovable, and win the victory in judgement.

when thou judgest] In sentencing my sinne, and my punishment for it: Or, when thou art judged; in the opinion of men, and in their censures, for thy dealing with me. Saint Paul citing these words, Rom. III. 4. applies them from the hypothesis, in Davids singular case; to the thesis, to Gods general faith and truth in all his promises and proceedings. And thus the injustice of man doth commend the justice of God.

Psalms 51:5

in iniquity] This we call Original sinne. The Apostle calleth it inhabiting sinne, Rom. VII. 17. whereby all men are carnal, sold under sinne, John III. 6. Rom. VII. 14. The fountain of actual sinnes, John IX. 34. Ephes. II. 1. So as whole man is in evil, and whole evil is in man.

Psalms 51:6

the hidden part] The hid man of the heart, 1 Pet. III. 4.

thou shalt make me] Thus rising up by faith to this hope: Or, hast made me; thus opposing that integrity which God requires, to his present state of corruption by his foul fall contracted.

to know wisdome] 1 John II. 4. by his sinne now eclipsed.

Psalms 51:7

with hysop] Exod. XII. 22. Levit. XIV. 4, 6, 49. Num. XIX. 6, 18. Heb. IX. 19.

Psalms 51:10

Create] Ephes. II. 10. and IV. 24. Jer. XXXII. 39. Ezek. XI. 19. and XXXVI. 26.

Psalms 51:11

take not] Yet Gods holy Spirit was in him; even in this case, and state of extremity.

Psalms 51:12

free spirit] Freely and bountifully bestowed, freeing me from the bondage of sinne, making me free to righteousnesse, 2 Cor. III. 17. Rom. VI. 18. 22.

Psalms 51:14

blood-guiltinesse] Bloods of Uriah, and others slaine with him.

Psalms 51:15

Open thou my lips] Give me new occasion by the pardoning of my sinne: yea, give me the grace both to will, and to do; the habit and ability, and the grace to bring the habit into act, to act it effectualy.

Psalms 51:16

not Sacrifice] See the Observations on Psal. XL. 6. Indeed we finde not expressed any sacrifice for murder, or adultery, or any capital crime.

Psalms 51:17

the Sacrifices] The plural number is here used for the greater emphasis, and amplification. And so Iudg. VII. 10. 2 Chron. XXIV. 25. and chap. XXVIII. 3. Prov. I. 20. Mal. I. 6. Lam. III. 22. 2. Sam, XXII. 1.

Psalms 51:18

unto Sion] The whole Church was in danger of Gods judgement by his sinne: as 2 Sam. XXIV. 15.

Psalms 51:19

and whole-burnt-offering] See Levit. VI. 23.