I'm sorry

Psalm 51:1 NASB95

1 Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions.

reasons to be gracious - give me another chance/mercy/don’t come down as hard as you could

you are loving and kind

your compassion is great

Psalm 51:2 NASB95

2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity And cleanse me from my sin.

doing wrong is like a stain

and it needs to be washed

Psalm 51:3 NASB95

3 For I know my transgressions, And my sin is ever before me.

I know what I did, and I am bothered by it

I know I am guilty, and I feel guilty

not many people get to these two claims

Psalm 51:4 NASB95

4 Against You, You only, I have sinned And done what is evil in Your sight, So that You are justified when You speak And blameless when You judge.

all sin is ultimately a transgression against our maker

we must look at what is evil in God’s sight

he sets the rules, standards, morals

God rightfully judges

Psalm 51:5 NASB95

5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.

I have a sinful nature

mankind is basically evil

yes, I was born this way . . . some people are born with a sin nature

Psalm 51:6 NASB95

6 Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom.

God desires honesty at the heart level

sorrow for sin for real, not just because I got caught

not just to get out of trouble

Psalm 51:7 NASB95

7 Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

only God can clean me and wash me

hyssop in blood

Psalm 51:8 NASB95

8 Make me to hear joy and gladness, Let the bones which You have broken rejoice.

sinful act may bring temporary good feeling, but ultimately sin takes away your joy

Psalm 51:9 NASB95

9 Hide Your face from my sins And blot out all my iniquities.

I hate for you to see it

i am not proud of it

Psalm 51:10 NASB95

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.