Psalm 51:1-9
The header/title clearly places Psalm 51 in its historical setting. I’m sure you all know of David’s adultery with Bathsheba, but if you’ve never read the full account that includes Uriah’s death and Nathan’s prophetic encounter with David, you should read II Samuel 11-12:23 before you continue with today’s and tomorrow’s readings. It’s a life lesson on sin, repentance, and forgiveness for us all.
Two verses stood out for me today, back-to-back verses 3-4a. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight… As to “my sin ever before me” it is frustrating to me to be confessing the same sins over and over, but there are habits/addictions that are hard to break. And as for verse 4a, I typically think of my transgression as if I am sinning against myself or someone else, but I seldom think of my sin as hurting God. My relationship with God, yes, but hurting Him… That’s a different thought.