Psalm 51:17

G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible - Psalms 51:1-19

This is the first of a number of psalms (eighteen) to which titles are prefaced which connect them with David, eight out of the number having historic references. There is a remarkable fitness in every case between the incident thus indicated and the psalm following; but whether the placing is accurate or not is open to question. This is indeed one of the great penitential psalms, being the fourth in the seven which are usually so described. It opens with a general cry for pardon that comes... read more

Robert Neighbour

Wells of Living Water Commentary - Psalms 51:1-19

A Penitent's Prayer Psalms 51:1-19 INTRODUCTORY WORDS We will set forth, by way of introduction, the story of David's sin and of how he was reproved by Nathan, the Prophet. We may also emphasize how David had groaned within himself for two miserable years. 1. The story of David's sin. David had become enamored with Bath-sheba, who was wife to Uriah. In this he sinned grievously. God had given him wives who should have been his full joy and satisfaction. Bath-sheba was the wife of another man... read more

James Nisbet

James Nisbet's Church Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 51:17

‘The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit.’ Psalms 51:17 (Prayer Book Version) Notice one or two of those accepted sacrifices which from time to time have been set up in our world, and which the Holy Spirit has recorded for our humiliation, our comfort, and our happiness. I. The repentance of David was the repentance of a fallen child of God.—If we can say that David’s confession was the cause of his forgiveness, in a truer sense we may say David’s forgiveness was the cause of his repentance.... read more

Peter Pett

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 51:14-17

Recognising That His Only Hope Lies In Total And Contrite Submission David Makes A Final Plea That God Will Deliver Him From Blood-guiltiness (Psalms 51:14-17 ). Blood-guiltiness is an idea prominent in the Old Testament. When a person slew another person they were seen as blood-guilty and their lives were seen as forfeit to the ‘avengers of blood’, relatives of the deceased person who sought to take the slayer’s life in return. Indeed, it was seen as incumbent on them to do so. If they slew... read more

Arthur Peake

Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 51:1-19

LI. A Penitential Psalm. Psalms 51:1-2 Kings : . Prayer for pardon and inward renewal. Psalms 51:13-Esther : . A promise to proclaim God’ s mercy and bring sinners back to Him. Psalms 51:18 f. Prayer for the restoration of Jerusalem, which will make sacrifice possible and popular once more.The Ps. was not written by David, and still less by David after his double sin of murder and adultery. How could David have said, “ Against thee, thee only, have I sinned” ? Besides, the Ps. shows the... read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Psalms 51:17

The sacrifices: this is instead of or of more value than many sacrifices. Of God; which God in such cases as mine requires, and will accept; in which sense we read of the work of God, John 6:28. A broken and a contrite heart, i.e. a heart deeply afflicted and grieved for sin, humbled under the sense of God’s displeasure, and earnestly seeking and willing to accept of reconciliation with God upon any terms. See Isaiah 57:15; Isaiah 61:1; Isaiah 66:2; Matthew 11:28. This is opposed to that hard... read more

Joseph Exell

Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary - Psalms 51:1-19

INTRODUCTIONTHE superscription informs us both as to the author of the psalm, and the occasion of its composition. “To the Chief Musician, a Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.” The contents of the psalm accord with the superscription on both points. For the history of the painful circumstances, see 2 Samuel 11:0 and 2 Samuel 12:1-14.That the psalm is addressed “To the Chief Musician” shows that it was not merely a private confession of the... read more

William Nicoll

Sermon Bible Commentary - Psalms 51:1-19

Psalms 51:0 David, in the opening of this Psalm, appeals for mercy. No penitent man ever approached God on the side of His justice. The Pharisee, indeed, appeals to righteousness; but the publican appeals for mercy. I. "Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin." Mark the thoroughness of this desire. Not only must sin be blotted out, but the sinner himself must be. washed and cleansed. There must be not merely a change of state, but a change of nature. David's words all... read more

William Nicoll

Sermon Bible Commentary - Psalms 51:16-17

Psalms 51:16-17 These words, though none were ever spoken in the world that could be so little intended to perplex any worshipping Israelite, nevertheless must have strangely clashed with some of his most cherished and familiar thoughts. "Thou delightest not in burnt-offering." Why then was it said that the Lord smelled a sweet savour when Noah brought forth the clean beasts after the Flood? And supposing that, in some sense, the heart was a better offering than the bullock or goat, must it... read more

William Nicoll

Sermon Bible Commentary - Psalms 51:17

Psalms 51:17 The difference between good and bad men in Holy Scripture may be said to consist in this: whether they have or have not "a broken and a contrite spirit;" the degrees of their acceptance with God seem to depend on this; and in consequence we! shall find in those who are most of all approved some expression that implies this temper. A broken and contrite heart alone can embrace Christ crucified; and he who is most diligent in works of evangelical righteousness will be most contrite,... read more

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