Sabbath, August 3 – Psalms 51, 86
1. What evidence do you see in Psalm 51 that David understood the gospel? (Psalm 51:2, 7, 10).
2. Where do humans get the tendency towards sin? (Psalm 51:5).
3. What had David lost in his heart due to sin and asked to be restored? (Psalm 51:11, 12).
Commentary and Reflection:
Regarding Psalm 51, the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary states:
“Psalm 51 is a penitential psalm (see p. 624). It was composed by David “after his great sin [with Bath-sheba], in the anguish of remorse and self¬ abhorrence” (Ed 165). It is an expression of his “repentance, when the message of reproof came to him from God,” intended “to be sung in the public assemblies of his people, . . . that others might be instructed by the sad history of his fall” (PP 724, 725). It is a prayer for forgiveness and for sanctification through the Holy Spirit. Accompanying the petition are vows of gratitude for God’s mercy and promises for the future. Perhaps no other OT passage draws so clear a picture of the tally repentant sinner taisting in God’s power to forgive and restore, as this portrait of David’s experience of transgression. The psalm should be studied in the light of 2 Sam. 12:1-13 and Ps. 32.
Ps. 51 was a favorite of John Bunyan. Just before her execution (1554), Lady Jane Grey recited the words of this psalm in English, on her knees on the scaffold.” (SDA Bible Commentary, Introduction to Psalm 51).
Many things are astonishing about David as an extraordinary man, including his public confession of sin. Although it would have been difficult to conceal anyway, composing a psalm for the people to sing and for future generations to read is remarkable. Current and historical leaders often seek to hide their transgressions, yet David published his! “Patriarchs and Prophets” explains his purpose in writing the Psalm:
“The king of Israel recounted his sin, his repentance, and his hope of pardon through the mercy of God. Instead of endeavoring to conceal his guilt he desired that others might be instructed by the sad history of his fall.” (PP 725). David says, “Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You” (Psalm 51:13, NKJV).
It is understandable why we do not want our failings to be known; it can cause pain and shame to loved ones. However, confession has liberating power. Secrecy makes us prisoners of fear and prone to perpetuating sin. David’s public confession served as a valuable example to people in government and helped heal the deep wound this crime caused on the nation.
Three notable ideas from Psalm 51:
- David knew the gospel. His prayer was, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow” (Psalm 51:7, NKJV), and “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10, NKJV).
- The human tendency to sin is hereditary and endemic; hence, we need a Savior, not merely a therapist or coach. David says, “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me” (Psalm 51:5, NKJV).
- Offerings and sacrifices do not impress God; He does not need them but prefers a humble heart, which He will not despise. David states, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart—these, O God, You will not despise” (Psalm 51:17, NKJV).
Regarding Psalm 86, the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary states:
“Psalm 86 is a psalm of great beauty and sweetness, pervaded with a spirit of tender piety. It has no clear line of thought progression, but consists rather of an interrelated succession of outbursts of petition, praise, and gratitude. Its character suggests such varying moods as supplication, penitence, confession of faith, and praise. The psalm is especially note-worthy in giving reasons for prayer and for the surety of the answer to prayers.” (SDA Bible Commentary, Introduction to Psalm 86).
May our prayer today be, “Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name” (Psalm 86:11, NKJV).