Psalms 51
Psalm 511
For the music director; a psalm of David, written when Nathan the prophet confronted him after David’s affair with Bathsheba.2
51:1 Have mercy on me, O God, because of3 your loyal love!
Because of4 your great compassion, wipe away my rebellious acts!5
51:2 Wash away my wrongdoing!6
Cleanse me of my sin!7
51:3 For I am aware of8 my rebellious acts;
I am forever conscious of my sin.9
51:4 Against you – you above all10 – I have sinned;
I have done what is evil in your sight.
So11 you are just when you confront me;12
you are right when you condemn me.13
51:5 Look, I was guilty of sin from birth,
a sinner the moment my mother conceived me.14
51:6 Look,15 you desire16 integrity in the inner man;17
you want me to possess wisdom.18
51:7 Sprinkle me19 with water20 and I will be pure;21
wash me22 and I will be whiter than snow.23
51:8 Grant me the ultimate joy of being forgiven!24
May the bones25 you crushed rejoice!26
51:9 Hide your face27 from my sins!
Wipe away28 all my guilt!
51:10 Create for me a pure heart, O God!29
Renew a resolute spirit within me!30
51:11 Do not reject me!31
Do not take your Holy Spirit32 away from me!33
51:12 Let me again experience the joy of your deliverance!
Sustain me by giving me the desire to obey!34
51:13 Then I will teach35 rebels your merciful ways,36
and sinners will turn37 to you.
51:14 Rescue me from the guilt of murder,38 O God, the God who delivers me!
Then my tongue will shout for joy because of your deliverance.39
51:15 O Lord, give me the words!40
Then my mouth will praise you.41
51:16 Certainly42 you do not want a sacrifice, or else I would offer it;43
you do not desire a burnt sacrifice.44
51:17 The sacrifices God desires are a humble spirit45 –
O God, a humble and repentant heart46 you will not reject.47
51:18 Because you favor Zion, do what is good for her!48
Fortify49 the walls of Jerusalem!50
51:19 Then you will accept51 the proper sacrifices, burnt sacrifices and whole offerings;