Psalm 51/Overview/Introduction

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Author

David

Book

Book 2 of the Psalter (Chapters 42-72)

Psalm 51: A Brief Summary

This psalm may be summarized as three pleas: Cleanse me! Restore me! Restore us! The last section orients the entire psalm: the plea for cleansing from guilt is necessary before restoration of David, the king. The restoration of David is necessary before restoration of the people to a right relationship with God.

"Create a clean heart for me, God!" This title is a memorable phrase that helps remember the unique character and content of this psalm.

“Create a clean heart for me, God!” Psalm 51 is well known for David’s plea for cleansing from sin. Animal sacrifices are not enough; “the sacrifices (acceptable to) God are broken spirits; a broken and crushed heart” is what God is looking for. David’s broken heart prepares for a restored relationship, both for himself and all of God’s people: then they “will offer up bulls” that God will find acceptable.

Purpose The Purpose was the psalmist's probable intent or reason for writing this psalm.

The psalmist pleads for God to cleanse him of his sin and restore him.

Content The Content is a concise summary of the whole psalm's content.

I have sinned against you, therefore wash me thoroughly and create a clean heart for me so that I will praise you. I intended to teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you, and so that you will delight in right sacrifices because you do good to Zion!

Message The Message is the main idea the psalmist probably wanted the audience to remember upon or after hearing the psalm.

God cleanses the contrite from sin and gives them new hearts to offer worship that is pleasing to God in Zion.