Day 115

Psalm 51 part 3

David spoke with the voice of faith when he declared God’s power of washing to be effective and that his purity and innocence could be restored; as if he had not sinned at all.(That’s the gospel!) He knew that out of his brokenness he would again eventually rejoice v8.

In the repetition of v9, we see that this was not a light thing for David. It was not easily expressed or easily received by faith. There was a sense in which he had to contend both with God and himself to bring him to the place he should be.

The plea ‘create’ (v10) indicated he needed a new ‘clean’ heart from God. In this David anticipated one of the great promises to all who believe under the New Covenant: see Ezekiel 36:26.

The word that begins this section is the Hebrew verb bara, which is used in Genesis 1 for the creation of the heavens and the earth by God. Strictly used, this word describes what only God can do: create out of nothing. With the word Create he asks for nothing less than a miracle. It is a term for what God alone can do. C.f. Eph 2:8 & 9.

Along with a new and clean heart, David needed a ‘steadfast spirit’ to continue in the way of godliness. This expressed a humble reliance upon the LORD. The intent of v11 reminds us that David was mindful of what happened to Saul in 1 Sam16:14.

In his many months of unconfessed sin, David felt the misery of spiritual defeat. He wanted once again the ‘joy’ (v12) appropriate to ‘salvation,’ to those whom the LORD rescues.

If you and I have a broken spirit v17, all idea of our own importance is gone. Anything that is broken is useless! ‘A broken and contrite heart:’ is no longer stubborn and rebellious against God.  God will heal our brokenness.

David realized that in his sin he not only failed as a man, a husband, and a father. He also failed as a king over God’s people. He humbly asked God to restore His favour to the kingdom. v18-19