Grace Institute: The Writings : Psalms Part 5

Psalms Survey of the Old Testament: The Writings Fall 2006

Sample Lament: Psalm 51

The Style

Confessional Lament

The Situation

The superscript tells us that David wrote this Psalm after being confronted by Nathan about his sin with Bath sheba.

The Structure

Introductory Appeal (vs. 1-4)

David begins with an introductory appeal for God to be gracious to him and forgive him of his sin.

The Lament (vs. 5-6)

• The I
  • I was brought forth in sin
• The You
  • You desire truth (vs. 6)

The Confession of Trust

None

The Petition (vs. 7-12)

• Purify and Wash Me (vs. 7)
• Make me hear joy (vs. 8)
• Hide from my sins, Blot out iniquity (vs. 9)
• Create in me a clean heart, renew a steadfast spirit (vs. 10)
• Don't cast me away from your presence, don't take the Holy Spirit (vs. 11)
• Restore my joy, sustain me (vs. 12)

The appeal for forgiveness is made based on God's graciousness and lovingkindness (vs. 1)

The Praise (vs. 13-19)

• I will teach transgressors (vs. 13)
• My tongue will sing of your righteousness (vs. 14)
• my mouth will declare your praise (vs. 15)
• I will not sacrifice burnt offerings, but will offer a sacrifice of a broken and contrite heart (vs. 16-17)
• But I will also offer burnt offerings (vs. 18-19)

The Significance

God del ights in honest confession and truth from our inward parts. The lament Psalms affirm again and again God's desire for us to be honest with him. This Psalm affirms God's desire for us to be honest about our deepest sins as well. God would rather we are honest, broken and contrite than that we offer sacrifices.

[Next: Psalm 69]