Study
42 From the Book of Psalms is: Psalm 51
This
was meant to be a short stop in the book of Psalms. So, we will stop
here today and delve into the book of 2 Samuel tomorrow, then we will
again make a short stop in the book of Psalms, starting with Psalm
52.
Note
the occasion of the psalm, as given in the title,
- What may we learn about confession and the grounds of forgiveness from verses 1-5? Note (a) the terms which David uses to describe himself and his wrongdoing, and (b) where his hope lies.
- David realizes that his whole nature is sinful, and that God requires sincerity and integrity in the innermost part of his being (verse 6; cf. 1 Sa. 16:7). What, therefore, (in verses 7-12) does he ask for in addition to forgiveness? Also what does he promise shall be the outcome of God's answer to his prayer? See verses 13-17
Note.
Verse 4. This does not mean that David had not also done wrong
against man (note in verse 14 his confession of 'bloodguiltiness'),
but that he now saw his wrongdoing in this one outstanding aspect of
it, as being sin against God. Cf. Gn. 39: 9; 2 Sa. 12:13.
