the Psalms, 3). As we make our way through this psalm, we should do so humbly, pondering its meaning along the way and allowing its truth to penetrate our hearts. In order to understand what this psalm is saying and how it applies to our lives, we need to start by reading its superscription. The events of 2 Samuel 11:1–12:23, instrumental for understanding the psalm’s message, are the psalm’s historical background. Apart from this story of David’s sin, we won’t feel the weight of Psalm 51. David