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.

God was holding David responsible for the death of Uriah (2 Sam. 12:9). David’s sin called for the death penalty (Gen. 4:10, 9:6). “O God, the God of my salvation”

When our sins are forgiven, we can return to offering acceptable worship unto God. “O Lord, open my lips” With forgiveness comes a renewal of fellowship, and we can approach God with confidence (Heb. 10:19-22).

This psalm is poetry – exaggeration for effect. The statement must be qualified: God desires sacrifices given from sincere and obedient hearts.

This psalm is poetry – exaggeration for effect. The statement must be qualified: God desires sacrifices given from sincere and obedient hearts. "For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.” Hosea 6:6 “So Samuel said: ‘Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.’” 1 Samuel 15:22

This psalm is poetry – exaggeration for effect. The statement must be qualified: God desires sacrifices given from sincere and obedient hearts. “‘To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices to Me?’ says the Lord. ‘I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fed cattle. I do not delight in the blood of bulls, Or of lambs or goats… …your hands are full of blood.’” Isaiah 1:10-15

The word “contrite” signifies repentance. To feel “deep sorrow or remorse for having sinned or done wrong.” The word “contrite” is taken from an old Latin word which referred to something that was worn out or ground to pieces. This word perfectly describes David’s feelings in this Psalm.

The word “contrite” signifies repentance. To feel “deep sorrow or remorse for having sinned or done wrong.” The word “contrite” is taken from an old Latin word which referred to something that was worn out or ground to pieces. This word perfectly describes David’s feelings in this Psalm. "The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” Psalm 34:18 “For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.’” Isaiah 57:15

The word “contrite” signifies repentance. To feel “deep sorrow or remorse for having sinned or done wrong.” The word “contrite” is taken from an old Latin word which referred to something that was worn out or ground to pieces. This word perfectly describes David’s feelings in this Psalm. “‘For all those things My hand has made, and all those things exist,’ says the Lord. ‘But on this one will I look: on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word.’” Isaiah 66:2 “And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’” Luke 18:13

There is no doubt David’s sin and guilt had a negative impact upon the entire nation. People suffer from the sins of those in leadership positions: husbands, parents, elders, etc.

Sin leaves a debilitating stain that man cannot remove. God will blot out, wash, cleanse, purge, and deliver us from the guilt of our sins. Forgiveness is available, but only if we seek it on God’s terms. Our proper response to receiving God’s forgiveness is to Praise Him and convert sinners.