Psalms 51:13

13 [Then] I will teach your ways to those who are rebellious, and sinners will return to you.

Psalms 51:13 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 51:13

[Then] will I teach transgressors thy ways
David was a prophet as well as a king; see ( Acts 2:30 ) ; and taught men the fear of the Lord, ( Psalms 34:11 ) , and instructed them in his ways, as he here promises he would; by which are meant, either the ways which God prescribes and directs men to walk in, as the paths of faith, holiness, and truth, and the ways of his commandments; or which he himself has walked in; meaning not the ways of his providence, which are sometimes past finding out; but the ways of his grace, the steps and methods he has taken in the salvation of men, by forming the scheme of it, by choosing unto it, by making a covenant with his Son, and appointing him to effect it; and particularly his ways and methods in receiving and pardoning backsliders, when returned by repentance to him; and who may be meant by "transgressors" here: and then the sense is, that David, upon his being received and pardoned, would teach others like himself how graciously God had dealt with him; how plenteous he is in mercy; how ready to forgive, and how faithful to his promises; and so encourage them to go to him, and acknowledge their transgressions, and seek pardoning grace at his hands, who does abundantly pardon, and whose ways are not as theirs; see ( Isaiah 55:7-9 ) ;

and sinners shall be converted unto thee:
or "that sinners may be converted unto thee" F16; this being the end of teaching by the word, and the means of the conversion of profane and unregenerate sinners, through the power of divine grace; though rather this seems to be understood of the conversion of God's own people after backslidings, and not of first conversion; see ( Luke 22:32 ) ( James 5:19 James 5:20 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

F16 (Myajxw) "ut peccatores convertantur", Junius & Tremellius, Gejerus, Michaelis.

Psalms 51:13 In-Context

11 Do not force me away from your presence, and do not take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore the joy of your salvation to me, and provide me with a spirit of willing obedience.
13 [Then] I will teach your ways to those who are rebellious, and sinners will return to you.
14 Rescue me from the guilt of murder, O God, my savior. Let my tongue sing joyfully about your righteousness!
15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will tell about your praise.
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