Psalm 51:17

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 51:17

The sacrifices of God, etc. We may call this psalm "the penitents prayer-book.' The spectacle of a good man falling into open sin is a sight to make angels weep, especially a man so distinguished as David falling into sins so gross and flagrant. We are ready to ask why a veil of silence was not allowed to hide this shameful example. This psalm supplies a twofold answer: the record of David's profound humiliation and bitter repentance is a warning to those who "think they stand;" his humble... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 51:17

The sacrifices of God - The sacrifices which God desires and approves; the sacrifices without which no other offering would be acceptable. David felt that that which he here specified was what was demanded in his case. He had grievously sinned; and the blood of animals offered in sacrifice could not put away his sin, nor could anything remove it unless the heart were itself penitent and contrite. The same thing is true now. Though a most perfect sacrifice, every way acceptable to God, has been... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 51:16-17

Psalms 51:16-17. For thou desirest not sacrifice Which is not to be understood absolutely and universally, as appears from Psalms 51:19, but comparatively, (see on Psalms 40:6,) and with particular respect to David’s crimes of murder and adultery, which were not to be expiated by any sacrifice, but, according to the law of God, were to be punished with death. Thou requirest more and better sacrifices, namely, such as are mentioned Psalms 51:17. Else would I give it I should have spared no... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Psalms 51:1-19

Psalms 51:0 David’s repentanceHaving committed adultery with Bathsheba, David then arranged for her husband Uriah to be killed, so that he could take Bathsheba as a royal wife (2 Samuel 11:1-27). The prophet Nathan found out David’s sin, condemned him to his face, then pronounced God’s judgment upon him (2 Samuel 12:1-15). This psalm displays David’s deep sorrow as he confesses his sin to God.David makes no excuses. He acknowledges his sin and realizes that he can do nothing to receive... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Psalms 51:17

sacrifices. Plural of majesty = the great sacrifice. Compare Isaiah 57:16 ; Isaiah 66:2 . not despise. Figure of speech Tapeinosis , meaning that God will do infinitely more than words can express. read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Psalms 51:17

Psalms 51:17. The sacrifices of God, &c.— The sacrifices of God are either, such as were fit to be offered to God in consequence of such grievous offences as David had committed, or such as God would regard, or as could be in any degree available to secure his forgiveness through the alone merit of the great Atonement. These sacrifices were a broken spirit, or a broken and contrite heart. The expressions mean in general a mind greatly depressed, humbled, and almost overwhelmed with... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 51:1-19

Psalms 51In this penitential individual lament psalm (cf. Psalms 6, 32, 38, 102, 130, , 143) David confessed the sins he committed against Bathsheba and Uriah. It is a model of confession that has become popular with God’s people. Since we all sin so often and need to confess frequently, this psalm is a help and comfort to us all.Psalms 32 proposed the need to confess sin, and Psalms 51:5 of that poem is a brief statement of confession. But Psalms 51 moves closer to "the center of the crisis of... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 51:13-17

4. Promise of grateful service 51:13-17David’s confession of his sins and prayer for inner renewal formed a basis for him to instruct sinners (Psalms 51:13), praise Yahweh (Psalms 51:14-15), and deepen his own commitment to the Lord (Psalms 51:16-17). read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 51:16-17

Third, David promised to sacrifice to Yahweh if God would forgive him. He would offer sacrifices of worship, but he acknowledged that what God really wanted, and what he would also offer, was a different attitude (cf. Psalms 50:7-15; Psalms 50:23). In David’s case, there was no sin or trespass offering that he could present that God would accept. Since he had sinned with a high hand, in rebellious defiance of Yahweh and in repudiation of the terms of His covenant, his sentence was death... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 51:1-19

Title.—(RV) ’For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David: when Nathan the prophet’ came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.’ It is impossible not to feel the general appropriateness of this Ps. to the occasion mentioned in the title, and there is no historic OT. figure except David to whom we can point as an illustration of the great sin and deep penitence which are the theme of the Ps. The theory that the speaker is the nation of Israel hardly accounts for the highly personal tone of the... read more

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