Psalm 51

Second Samuel David lusted after his neighbor’s wife. He committed adultery; she became pregnant. He made her husband drunk. He had him killed. He tried to cover the whole matter for at least a year.

1. This Psalm is very personal. 2. This Psalm pulls no punches. 3. This Psalm is very practical.

“Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life” (Prov. 4:23, NASB). The heart is the “steering wheel” of our life. If a spring is contaminated at the fountain head, the entire stream will be contaminated. The things that proceed from the heart defile the man (Mark 7:20-23).

The word “create” is the same Hebrew word used in Genesis 1:1. It means “to make out of nothing.” David’s heart had become so tainted by sin that it could not be repaired. God had to give him a new heart.

The word “create” is the same Hebrew word used in Genesis 1:1. It means “to make out of nothing.” David’s heart had become so tainted by sin that it could not be repaired. God had to give him a new heart. "Cast away from you all your transgressions which you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! For why will you die, O house of Israel” Ezekiel 18:31 “Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you...” Ezekiel 36:25-26

The word “create” is the same Hebrew word used in Genesis 1:1. It means “to make out of nothing.” David’s heart had become so tainted by sin that it could not be repaired. God had to give him a new heart. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8 “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14

The “steadfast spirit” is Davis’s willingness to serve the Lord. “The language is of one who had done right formally, but who had fallen into sin, and who desired that he might be brought back into his former condition” (Barnes). David is talking about a mind that will stay on the path of duty, remaining loyal to God.

The “steadfast spirit” is Davis’s willingness to serve the Lord. “The language is of one who had done right formally, but who had fallen into sin, and who desired that he might be brought back into his former condition” (Barnes). David is talking about a mind that will stay on the path of duty, remaining loyal to God. “Because David did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, and had not turned aside from anything that He commanded him all the days of his life, except in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.” 1 Kings 15:5

“Presence” refers to fellowship with God. The price David paid for his sin was separation from God (Is. 59:1-2).

David enjoyed a measure of the Holy Spirit. The psalms he wrote were inspired by the Holy Spirit. God had taken His Spirit away from David’s predecessor, King Saul, when he persisted in sin (1 Sam. 16:14, 18:12). David did not want to suffer the same loss.

Sin takes us away from God and abandons us in darkness (1 John 1:5-10). There is no joy in darkness – only hopelessness and fear. When God grants forgiveness, He also gives comfort (Matt. 5:4). However, we must allow ourselves to be comforted.

The KJV and NKJV see this as God’s “free” or “generous” Spirit. The NASB and ESV see this as David’s “willing” spirit. As long as David has a willingness to remain faithful to God, God will uphold him or sustain him in doing so.

The KJV and NKJV see this as God’s “free” or “generous” Spirit The NASB and ESV see this as David’s “willing” spirit. As long as David has a willingness to remain faithful to God, God will uphold him or sustain him in doing so. "Uphold me according to Your word, that I may live; and do not let me be ashamed of my hope. Hold me up, and I shall be safe, and I shall observe Your statutes continually.” Psalm 119:

“Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You.” The most effective teacher is the one who has learned by experience. Once we have received forgiveness, we must help others be converted unto the Lord.

It is proper to ask God for a clean heart and a renewed spirit. To value our fellowship with God above all other things. To seek the joy and peace that comes with forgiveness. To ask God to help us to remain faithful. To help others obtain what we have received from the Lord.