A CRY FOR MERCY

This is the most famous of the penitential psalms. The heading states that it was the result of Nathan’s accusation of David after the king’s sin with Bathsheba and Uriah, 2 Sam. 11 & 12. Psalm 32 is attributed to the same period (see pages 139, 140), where David rejoices in the assurance of forgiveness, vv. 1, 2, a note of gladness absent from Psalm 51.

David’s guilt was great and inexcusable. It has been said to originate from one of life’s unguarded moments, 2 Sam. 11. 12, his lapse occurring during a period “when kings go forth to battle”, but when “David tarried still at Jerusalem”. He would have been safer in the thick of the battle than in the idleness of his palace. Let us keep busy in Christian service, for it will help us avoid the sins of lethargy, and will also further the Lord’s work. David’s lustful glance led to adultery, and his attempt to conceal his guilt led to murder. Sadder still, it was murder by proxy, for he put the onus on Joab to arrange for Uriah’s death. Uriah’s own integrity led to his death, for he refused to spend a night with his wife in Jerusalem when his colleagues were camping on the battle field. His words must have burned into David’s conscience by high-lighting his own unusual idleness, 2 Sam. 11. 11.

We are neither qualified nor authorized to judge David, though we should learn from his downfall. We need to cultivate godly habits of daily Bible study and prayer, and to develop an increasing sense of dependence on the Lord.

David begins Psalm 51 by casting himself upon God’s mercy, v. 1. The tax collector did the same, “the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner”, Luke 18. 13. We should notice (i) his humble deference in keeping away from the Pharisee, (ii) his conscious unfitness to look up to God, and (iii) the self-loathing with which he smote himself. The Lord added that he went home that day justified. Let us enter into the joy of the prophet Micah, “God … that pardoneth iniquity … he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy”, Mic. 7. 18.

“But God, who is rich in mercy … hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace are ye saved)”, Eph. 2. 4, 5.