51:title after he had gone in to Bathsheba Psalm titles were likely added later (see note on 3:title). However, the story of David’s greatest failure provides a rich historical lens through which to read this psalm’s appeal for forgiveness. See 2 Sam 11–12.

David and the Psalm Titles

51:1 Be gracious to The Hebrew term used here, chanan—which may be literally rendered as “to show favor”—often appears in lament psalms as the psalmist seeks God’s favor or compassion (e.g., Ps 4:1; 6:2; 41:4, 10).

according to your loyal love The psalmist bases his appeal for God’s mercy on His faithful, covenantal love (chesed; see note on 44:26) and abundant compassion (rachamim; Lam 3:32).

Chesed Word Study

51:2 Wash me thoroughly In his request for cleansing, the psalmist asks God to forget his sin and to purify him by removing it. Compare Isa 1:16.

Repentance

51:5 Behold, in iniquity I was born The psalmist makes no excuses but recognizes that iniquity has been with him since birth. In doing so, he does not condemn his mother or conception; rather, he confesses the extent of his iniquity (Isa 6:5).

51:7 hyssop Israelites used hyssop branches to apply the blood of the Passover lamb to their doorposts (see Exod 12:22 and note). They were also used in other purifying rituals (Lev 14:49–53; Num 19:18–19).

I shall be whiter than snow Signifies the complete purity the psalmist wishes for (see Isa 1:18 and note).

51:8 Make me hear joy and gladness The psalmist longs for joy to replace the guilt he feels from his sin.

51:10 a clean heart Throughout the works of the prophets, God states He will restore His people by giving them a new heart that will enable them to return to Him in obedience (see Jer 24:7; Ezek 11:20 and note).

51:11 do not take your Holy Spirit from me The psalmist may have been thinking of when God removed His Spirit from Saul after Saul became His enemy (see 1 Sam 16:14 and note).

51:13 I will teach transgressors your ways When restored, the psalmist pledges to teach other sinners about God’s restorative forgiveness. Because of this, they will also turn to God.

51:14 the guilt of bloodshed The Hebrew word used here, dam, probably refers to death in this context (see 30:9). The psalmist asserts that, if God delivers him from death, he will be able to praise His righteousness and salvation. See note on 30:9.

51:16 you do not delight in sacrifice God does not delight in sacrifices that are only an outward expression of religion. See 40:6 and note.

51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit Instead of merely ritual sacrifice, God desires that His people trust in and rely on Him. See 50:14–15 and notes.

A broken and contrite heart It is the broken and contrite who have a proper attitude of reverence toward God (Isa 66:2).

51:19 righteous sacrifices Probably refers to sacrifices that are accompanied by righteousness behavior or obedience. See Ps 4:5 and note.