Translations
Original
Notes
Wash me … cleanse me: The psalmist asks for cleansing and freedom from the guilt of his sin (Psalm 51:7; see 26:6; Isaiah 1:16, 18; 4:4).
The person who regrets their wrongdoing cannot offer anything to God. They need God's favor, mercy, forgiveness, and blessing to experience renewal and restoration.
This heartfelt prayer for restoration seeks God's favor, mercy, forgiveness, and cleansing. With a broken spirit, the psalmist admits his sin and takes responsibility (Psalm 51:3–6). He then asks God to remove his guilt and renew him internally (Psalm 51:7–12). The psalmist commits again to living wisely and joyfully while serving God and others (Psalm 51:13–17).
These psalms of David share a common theme. They reflect on the experience of evil. In Psalm 51, the psalmist admits his wrongdoing and asks for God's forgiveness. Psalms 52–64 express sorrow over specific evils David faced. A song of praise (Psalm 65) brings David's laments to an end.
Parallels
Glossary
Bathe, Bathing Bathsheba Cleanness and Uncleanness, Regulations Concerning Confession Conversion David Forgiveness Man, Old and New Mercy Music Prayer Psalms, Book of Repentance Sin
Topics
Ablution: Figurative Conscience: Guilty Conviction of Sin Desire: Spiritual Feeling Guilty Homicide: David's Repentance For, and Confession of, the Murder of Uriah Prayer of David Regeneration: General Scriptures Concerning Remorse: General Scriptures Concerning Repentance: Exemplified Sin: Confession of Sin: Defiles Sin: we should Pray to God: To Cleanse Us From Wild Parties