John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 51:8
Make me to hear joy and gladness ,.... Which he had not heard for some time; sin had sadly broke in upon and interrupted his spiritual peace and joy; for though the love and favour of God cannot be lost, yet his sensible presence, which puts joy and gladness into the heart, may; and though an interest in Christ ever continues, and union to him is always the same; yet a view of interest in him, which fills with joy unspeakable and full of glory, and communion with him, may not be had for a... read more
Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 51:7-13
I. See here what David prays for. Many excellent petitions he here puts up, to which if we do but add, ?for Christ's sake,? they are as evangelical as any other. 1. He prays that God would cleanse him from his sins and the defilement he had contracted by them (Ps. 51:7): ?Purge me with hyssop; that is, pardon my sins, and let me know that they are pardoned, that I may be restored to those privileges which by sin I have forfeited and lost.? The expression here alludes to a ceremonial... read more