Psalm 51
(EBC) Overview and Structure:The structure of the psalm combines both the personal concern as well as concern for the welfare of the community at large (vv. 18–19; see also Jack Barentsen, “Restoration and Its Blessing,” Grace Theological Journal 5 [1984]: 247–69). The psalmist hopes that through the process of confession, contrition, and prayer for restoration, the Lord will deal kindly with him and with the community, Zion.
A. Prayer for Individual Restoration (vv. 1–2)
B. Confession and Contrition (vv. 3–6)
C. Prayer for Restoration (vv. 7–12)
B′. Thanksgiving (vv. 13–17)
A′. Prayer for National Restoration (vv. 18–19)
Observations:
(1) v.1-2 Prayer for Individual Restoration
a. The request was based on God's mercy, loyal love and great compassion. In other words, David knew that he was not worth granting the request.
b. The image of washing was applied to the prayer for forgiveness of sin, e.g. wipe away, wash away, cleanse.
Reflection:
Do you see sin as something unclean and you want to get rid of it? It was undesirable and you hate it. When you get rid of it you feel so happy and you want it to stay off from you.
Pastor Simon used to challenge us in the English worship. We all want to stay away from the Coronavirus, and we will be very careful not to get close to it. Do we have the same sensitivity to sin?
(2) v.3-6 Confession and Contrition
The psalmist described his sin as a rebellious act v.3, against God, what is evil in your sight, and he was guilty from birth or even at conception. David took the stand point from God to describe his sins. (NET) The juxtaposition of two occurrences of “look” in vv. 5–6 draws attention to the sharp contrast between the sinful reality of the psalmist’s condition and the lofty ideal God has for him
Even we will see the ugliness of sin God will certainly hate 100% of sin, too. God sees our sins personal. When we sin we dont care about God's feelings. God is pure and He is the total opposite of sin. How dare we sin when we are the children of God.
(3) v.7-12 Prayer for Restoration
David trusted that God was able to restore him again and made him pure again. "Create for me a pure heart v.10" "Sustain me by giving me the desire to obey v.12." It is possible to enjoy God again after his sin was forgiven. The joy is mentioned in v.8, and 12.
51:8 Grant me the ultimate joy of being forgiven!
May the bones you crushed rejoice!
51:12 Let me again experience the joy of your deliverance!
Sustain me by giving me the desire to obey!
Reflections:
David's joy was related to the restored fellowship. Plus he asked God to sustain him to obey. In other words, he did not just want the joy for the moment. He wants the sustainable joy in God. What is your joy about? Do you long for a sustainable joyful relationship with God? Not the up's and down's because of the interruptions of your sin/guilt/repentance cycles?
(4) v.13-17 Thanksgiving
The traditional way of thanksgiving was mentioned: teaching others about God's mercy v.13, and praising God with songs v.14-15.
However, the intent to offer sacrifice was turned down v.16.
51:17 The sacrifices God desires are a humble spirit—
O God, a humble and repentant heart you will not reject.
Reflections:
During the thanksgiving we give thanks and we sing songs to give thanks. Can you imagine that you celebrate thanksgiving with a humble and repentant heart? Only the humble and repentant heart reflect the real thanksgivings. You know that nothing that you have was only because God gave you and God forgave you then your heart will be full of thanksgiving.
Question: David named his sin as "rebellious acts v.1, 3, wrongdoing, sin v.2, 3, I have done what is evil in your sight v.4, my sins v.9, my guilt, 9, the guilt of murder v.14." He did not say anything about his adultery which was suggested by the title and in the accusation of Nathan in 2 Samuel 12:8-10. Did David avoid that or he was too shamed to mention it?
Audrey
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