JUNE 20, 2026 – PURGE ME

READ: Ps. 51:1-19 … cleanse me from my sins … against You, You only, have I sinned … born in iniquity … purge me with hyssop … create in me a clean heart … do not cast me away … broken heart

King David here confesses his great sins when the prophet Nathan pointed him to the seriousness of his sins through adultery with Bathsheba and causing Uriah to perish in battle. He describes his sins as proceeding from original sin. That is no excuse, but shows how greatly sin had taken possession of him.

With his many and serious sins he has done injustice to the LORD Himself. He even has bloodguilt by causing an innocent man to be killed. David acknowledges that he deserves to be rejected before God’s righteous face, whereby the LORD will take His Holy Spirit from him (vs.13).

David also realizes that he himself is not able to cleanse himself. He can only be cleansed by the LORD Himself, against whom he has sinned. In Christ, he may again stand righteous before Him. Therefore he pleads with the LORD for reconciliation, whereby his sins are blotted out (Mic. 7:19).

In this David makes an urgent appeal to God’s grace, lovingkindness — His covenant faithfulness, covenant love, and favor — and His mercy — that is His willingness to forgive.

Besides this undeserved forgiveness David also asks for repentance, renewal of his heart, through the work of the Holy Spirit (vs.12,14). Only then  can he again live with the LORD in joy and thankfulness. Yes, only then can he live in a way pleasing to God (vs.8) and also point others to the way of the LORD (vs.14).

David realizes that he may expect grace and reconciliation from the LORD, not merely through bringing animal sacrifices, but only with a broken and repentant heart.  
He not only testifies of his sinfulness and dependence on God’s forgiveness, but also urges others in the people, the church, to live with and for the LORD with a sincere heart unto His honor.

What does this Psalm say about our own sins?
Singing: Ps. 51:2,4,6