Psalms 51 - Introduction

A.M. 2970. B.C. 1034.

Though David composed this Psalm upon a very particular occasion, yet it is of as general use as any of his Psalms. It is the most eminent of the penitential Psalms, and most expressive of the cares and desires of a repenting sinner. It is a pity, indeed, that in our devout addresses to God, we should have any thing else to do but to praise God, for that is the work of heaven; but as we make other work for ourselves by our sins and follies, we must come to the throne of grace in the posture of penitents to confess them, and sue for pardoning and renewing grace. And if, in doing this, we would take with us words, we can nowhere find any more apposite than in this Psalm, which is the record of David's repentance for his sin in the matter of Uriah, which, of all his faults, was the greatest blemish upon his character. Here David prays for pardon, Psalms 51:1; Psalms 51:2. Confesses his sins, Psalms 51:3. Prays for renewing grace, Psalms 51:6. Promises unfeigned thankfulness, Psalms 51:15. Prays for the whole church, Psalms 51:18; Psalms 51:19.

Title. When Nathan the prophet came unto him After his conscience was awakened by Nathan's words, 2 Samuel 12:7, and Nathan had left him, David, being brought to true repentance for his very heinous sin, expressed his bitter sorrow for it, and poured out his soul in prayer to God for pardon and grace, in the following words, which he afterward wrote down and left on record, to be a monument both of his sin and repentance to all future generations.