Bible Commentary

Psalms 51:5-12

Psalms 51:5-12

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public Domain

The prayer now makes a stride in advance. It has been hitherto for the first step in justification—the wiping out of past transgressions. It is now for restoration, for a renewal of spiritual life, for a return to God's favour, and to the spiritual joy involved in it.

First, however, an additional confession is made (, ). Not only have I committed acts of sin (), but sin is thoroughly ingrained into my nature. I was conceived in it; I was brought forth in it; only the strongest remedies can cleanse me from it ().

But cleansing alone is not enough. I need renewal (); I need thy Holy Spirit (); I crave, above all, the sense of a restoration to thy favour—a return to the old feelings of "joy and gladness" (), even "the joy of thy salvation" ().

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