Psalm 51 Study Notes

51:9 Turning away the face implies forgiving and forgetting (vv. 1-2).

51:10 The renewal of one’s heart and spirit are common images representing not only forgiveness (vv. 1-2,7-9) but also a change that enables a person to live in obedience to the Lord’s commands (1Sm 10:6,9; Jr 32:39; Ezk 36:26). Note also the use of “willing spirit” in Ps 51:12.

51:11 Holy Spirit is taken by some to mean the Lord’s presence. However, in the larger context of the biblical text, it seems to refer to God himself (Is 63:10-14) in the same way that “heart” and “spirit” can refer to people. The division among the persons of the Godhead (the Trinity) is not a concept developed in the OT, although texts such as this allow for the establishment of the doctrine as God’s revelation progresses through the NT (e.g., Mt 3:16-17, where Father, Son, and Spirit are all present yet distinct at Jesus’s baptism).

51:12 David wanted to experience again the joy of knowing that he was delivered. A willing spirit would be the attitude of a heart totally given over to the Lord.

51:13-15 Publicly praising God and teaching others about him was part of the response of God’s deliverance in a person’s life (see note at 22:22-24).

51:16-17 God desires a broken spirit (or heart) rather than acts of sacrifice (see notes at 34:17-18; 40:6-8).

51:18 Some think build the walls refers to Nehemiah’s time, but this is not necessary if it is used figuratively. It simply refers to strengthening Zion, which is where the Lord dwelt among his people (65:1).

51:19 Righteous sacrifices must be connected with vv. 16-17, meaning those offered with the proper motives (see notes at 40:6-8; 50:7-13).