Psalm 51

David was greatly hated and greatly loved. He was called "a man after God's own heart," not because he was sinless, but because his heart was always open to God. We too should be open to the dealings of God. In this psalm God deals with David in his sin.

David was greatly hated and greatly loved. He was called "a man after God's own heart," not because he was sinless, but because his heart was always open to God. We too should be open to the dealings of God. In this psalm God deals with David in his sin.

The Outline Bible Section Outline Fifty-one (Psalm 51)

David confesses his sin to God and asks for forgiveness and mercy.

I. DAVID’S CONFESSION (51:1–6)

A. David appeals to God (51:1–2): “Wash me clean from my guilt.”

B. David acknowledges his sin (51:3–6): “I recognize my shameful deeds.”

II. DAVID’S CLEANSING (51:7–10): David asks God to do three things:

A. Remove his sin (51:7) .

B. Restore his joy (51:8–9).

C. Renew his spirit (51:10) : David wants a clean heart and a right spirit.

III. DAVID’S CONCERN (51:11–12): He pleads that the Holy Spirit not be taken from him and that he be made willing to obey God.

IV. DAVID’S COMMITMENTS (51:13–15): If God responds to him, David promises to do three things:

A. Teach God’s ways to sinners (51:13) .

B. Sing of God’s forgiveness (51:14) .

C. Praise God (51:15) .

V. DAVID’S CONFIDENCE (51:16–19)

A. He knows God can forgive sins (51:16–17): David recognizes that God wants broken spirits and repentant hearts.

B. He knows God can fortify the city (51:18–19): David calls upon God to rebuild the walls of the city so that pleasing sacrifices can be offered.

The Outline Bible Section Outline Fifty-one (Psalm 51)

I. DAVID’S CONFESSION (51:1–6)

A. David appeals to God (51:1–2): “Wash me clean from my guilt.”

B. David acknowledges his sin (51:3–6): “I recognize my shameful deeds.”

II. DAVID’S CLEANSING (51:7–10): David asks God to do three things:

A. Remove his sin (51:7) .

B. Restore his joy (51:8–9).

C. Renew his spirit (51:10) : David wants a clean heart and a right spirit.

III. DAVID’S CONCERN (51:11–12): He pleads that the Holy Spirit not be taken from him and that he be made willing to obey God.

IV. DAVID’S COMMITMENTS (51:13–15): If God responds to him, David promises to do three things:

A. Teach God’s ways to sinners (51:13) .

B. Sing of God’s forgiveness (51:14) .

C. Praise God (51:15) .

V. DAVID’S CONFIDENCE (51:16–19)

A. He knows God can forgive sins (51:16–17): David recognizes that God wants broken spirits and repentant hearts.

B. He knows God can fortify the city (51:18–19): David calls upon God to rebuild the walls of the city so that pleasing sacrifices can be offered

I. David’s Confession (psalm 51:1-6 )

Psalm 51:1–6 NIV

1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. 5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. 6 Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place.

v.1 David cries for mercy. Mercy is not getting what you deserve. Justice is getting what you deserve. God is merciful.

v.3 You cannot hide your guilt from yourself. Acknowledging your transgressions puts you on the correct road. You must acknowledge and confess your sin for God to deal with you (). There is no forgiveness in justifying your actions.

A. David appeals to God (51:1–2): “Wash me clean from my guilt.”

v.4 Sin is an act against the holy nature of God. We need to be conscious that God is with us ().

v.5 David confesses the nature of sin.

A. David appeals to God (51:1–2): “Wash me clean from my guilt.”

B. David acknowledges his sin (51:3–6): “I recognize my shameful deeds.”

II. David’s Cleansing (51:7–10): David asks God to do three things:

A. Remove his sin (51:7) . v.7 The hyssop bush was used to sprinkle the blood of the sacrifices. Becoming "whiter than snow" reflects David's concept of total forgiveness. There's nothing in the world like confessing to God and receiving cleansing and forgiveness from Him.

B. Restore his joy (51:8–9).

C. Renew his spirit (51:10) : David wants a clean heart and a right spirit.

III. David’s Concern (51:11–12): He pleads that the Holy Spirit not be taken from him and that he be made willing to obey God.

v.12 Unconfessed sin can rob you of Christian joy.

IV. David’s Commitments (51:13–15): If God responds to him, David promises to do three things:

A. Teach God’s ways to sinners (51:13) .

B. Sing of God’s forgiveness (51:14) . v.14 “guilt of bloodshed” probably refers to the blood of Uriah, since David was responsible for the murder of Uriah.

guilt of bloodshed” probably refers to the blood of Uriah, since David was responsible for the murder of Uriah.

C. Praise God (51:15) .

V. David’s Confidence (51:16–19)

A. He knows God can forgive sins (51:16–17): David recognizes that God wants broken spirits and repentant hearts.

v.17 God desires that you be broken over your sin.

B. He knows God can fortify the city (51:18–19): David calls upon God to rebuild the walls of the city so that pleasing sacrifices can be offered.

Psalm 46:3 NIV

3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.