Psalms 51:5-12 - Exposition

The prayer now makes a stride in advance. It has been hitherto for the first step in justification—the wiping out of past transgressions. It is now for restoration, for a renewal of spiritual life, for a return to God's favour, and to the spiritual joy involved in it. First, however, an additional confession is made ( Psalms 51:5 , Psalms 51:6 ). Not only have I committed acts of sin ( Psalms 51:1-4 ), but sin is thoroughly ingrained into my nature. I was conceived in it; I was brought forth in it; only the strongest remedies can cleanse me from it ( Psalms 51:7 ). But cleansing alone is not enough. I need renewal ( Psalms 51:10 ); I need thy Holy Spirit ( Psalms 51:11 ); I crave, above all, the sense of a restoration to thy favour—a return to the old feelings of "joy and gladness" ( Psalms 51:8 ), even "the joy of thy salvation" ( Psalms 51:12 ).