The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - Psalms 51:1-9
David's Penitential Prayer. To the chief musician, for public performance, as an open confession of David's sin before the whole congregation, showing that his repentance was of the right kind, a psalm of David, when Nathan, the prophet, came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba, 2 Samuel 11, 12. For about one year after his terrible sin of adultery David had hardened his heart against repentance, although he had no rest in his conscience during this time, Psalms 32:3-Numbers :. It was... read more
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 51:1-6
1-6 David, being convinced of his sin, poured out his soul to God in prayer for mercy and grace. Whither should backsliding children return, but to the Lord their God, who alone can heal them? he drew up, by Divine teaching, an account of the workings of his heart toward God. Those that truly repent of their sins, will not be ashamed to own their repentance. Also, he instructs others what to do, and what to say. David had not only done much, but suffered much in the cause of God; yet he flees... read more