Reading Psalm 51 in parallel with the account of David’s sin with Bathsheba, Dr. John Oswalt traces what the passage says about the nature of sin, the cost of sin, and the cure for sin. Sin is both transgression and iniquity. It is this that David finally sees when he turns from it, acknowledging both his misdeeds and their cause. David moreover sees the dark costs of sin for his spirit. It is this twin recognition that allows David to respond with humility, and to call out to God for cleansing.
