Psalm 51

Throughout our study of Genesis, we have seen the devastating impact of sin. Sin makes a mess of things. Right after Adam and Eve rebelled against God in the garden, their son Cain murdered his younger brother Abel. You can review that story in the Genesis 4 devo. When the two brothers brought offerings to God, he accepted Abel’s offering but “had no regard” for Cain’s. Cain responded in anger.

Genesis 4:6-7
The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? ⁷ If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.”

So, here’s the question: How do we respond when sin overtakes us, as we have seen it overtake many godly men and women in Genesis? What are the steps for forgiveness and restoration? Today, and over the next two days, let’s study this process through Psalm 51.

The pattern of sin continues as we look at another account in the Old Testament. When Israel became the great nation that God promised to the patriarchs, King David did not always rule over his temptations. David committed adultery with Bathsheba. After learning that she was pregnant, he attempted to conceal his sin and ultimately arranged for her husband’s death on the battlefield. David carried the weight of adultery, theft, deceit, and murder for nearly a year. Then, God sent the prophet Nathan to confront David (2 Sam. 11-12). David’s heartfelt prayer for forgiveness is captured in Psalm 51. In my view, this psalm, more than any other passage in the Bible, illustrates the process of repentance and forgiveness. Let’s take our time to delve into this prayer. I see eight steps of genuine repentance.

1. True repentance begins when we own our sin (Ps. 51:1b-2).

Psalm 51:1-2
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. ² Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!

David used three distinct terms to describe his rebellion against God. First, he requested that God blot out his “transgressions” (Heb. pasha), a word that signifies “acts of rebellion” or “defying God.” Second, he desired that God thoroughly cleanse his “iniquity” (Heb. awon), which denotes “inward crookedness” and “perversity.” Third, David sought to be purified of his “sin” (Heb. hata), a word that refers to the “failure to meet God’s standard.” When Adam and Eve defied God in Genesis 3, Adam blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the serpent. Similarly, it appears that Cain blamed Abel for God’s rejection of his offering and retaliated by killing his brother. We often fall into a cycle of blaming others. David hid his sin for many months before ultimately accepting responsibility. This marks the first step toward genuine repentance.

2. True repentance is based on God’s mercy (Ps. 51:1a).

Psalm 51:1-2
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. ² Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!

We cannot cleanse our sinful hearts. Only God can deal with our rebellion, inward perversity, and failure to meet his standards. That’s why our prayer of repentance must be based on God’s work. David started his prayer by acknowledging his sin and pleading for God’s “mercy.”

Mercy and grace are two sides of the same theological coin. Grace occurs when God gives us what we do not deserve, while mercy is when God withholds what we do deserve. David’s sins of adultery and murder warranted death, prompting him to seek God’s mercy.

First, David prayed for mercy based on God’s “steadfast love” (Heb. hesed). The Hebrew word hesed is a rich term that appears two hundred fifty times in the Old Testament. It conveys God’s “loyal love” and “covenantal love” for his children. It’s not just a fleeting emotion. This active love ultimately placed our sins on Jesus at the cross. God’s hesed is unconditional. It is God’s love that will never let us go.

Second, David prayed for favor and compassion based on God’s “abundant mercy,” the Hebrew word, rachamim. This term is often translated as “great compassion” or “tender mercies.” It is important to note that the root of rachamim is rehem, the Hebrew word for a mother’s womb. The same compassion a mother feels for the child she carries in her womb reflects the intimacy and compassion God has for us.

Again, we can’t fix ourselves, clean our hearts, or perform enough good works to earn God’s favor. God’s mercy and forgiveness are based on his unconditional love and tender mercies.

3. True repentance means understanding that my rebellion is against God (Ps. 51:3-4a).

Psalm 51:3-4
For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. ⁴ Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight….

When I read this, I want to say, “Hold on, David! You sinned against Bathsheba and her husband, Uriah. You had Uriah killed so you could take his wife!” Indeed, sin brings devastation to others. But first and foremost, sin is against God.

David admitted that his “transgressions” and “sin” are always on his mind. In Hebrew, the word “transgressions” appears first in the sentence. He is saying, “My rebellion, I know.” The Message translates this passage as, “I know how bad I’ve been. My sins are staring me down.”[1]

Why is it so important to understand that our sin is primarily against God? First, God sets the standard; our sin crosses the line he established. Sin begins with my rebellion against God. Second, when I direct my sin towards others, I can justify my actions based on what they did or didn’t do to me. My sin is always, first and foremost, contrary to God.

In Genesis, we learn that God is writing our story. God is always at work, even when people hurt us, like Jacob’s sons hurt Joseph. The same principle applies to our sins. Our rebellion is never based on the actions of another person. Sin is against God. We are accountable to God. Therefore, our repentance always begins with him.

Let’s stop here today. We’ll continue to consider steps of repentance in Psalm 51 next time.

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Read Psalm 51:1-4. Take your time as you read this short passage. Reflect on God’s steadfast love and boundless compassion.

Talking to God
As you read today’s passage, thank God for his grace and mercy. Ask him to help you acknowledge your sin and follow through in repentance by confessing your wrongdoing against him.

Have Questions?
We’d love to help! Please let us know if you have any questions about today’s reading or teaching. Our team is here to assist you as you explore God’s Word. Submit your question below, and we’ll reply soon.

Two more things:

1. Visit ronmoore.org/lifemap for an exercise that will help you discover how God is writing his story in you. I have included a life map of Joseph that will serve as an example.
2. On February 25 at 7:00 pm, we will meet on a Zoom call to review what we have covered in Genesis and answer questions. A link to the call will be provided if you wish to participate.

[1] Eugene Peterson, The Message: Psalms (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress Publishing Group, 1994), 74.