II Samuel 11:1-12:25 , Psalm 51
One of the major aspects of this week’s material is self-examination. Psalm 51 correlates with the narrative from 2 Samuel, as it is David’s prayer in response to the events of his adultery and subsequent murder of Uriah. It should be noted that David was surprised by his own sinful nature. His words in Psalm 51 clearly express his horror, as he does not seek forgiveness, but a complete cleansing. Note verses 7-12. These verbs all related to a cleansing and washing of sinful nature. David’s main concern is that he remain in the presence of God, that God would not take away the Holy Spirit. In this account, David comes face to face with the nature of sin. Three words are used for sin in this passage.
- Sin: meaning to “miss the mark.” God has a target for us
- Iniquity: meaning “an inner twistedness.” This is the cause or effect of sin
- Transgression: meaning “an intentional rebellion.” “I know it is wrong, but I’ll have it my way.”
David’s confession includes all three terms, beginning with transgression. In his time of self-examination, David realizes that sin is more than an action; it is a nature that must be addressed. Thus, in verses 7-12, David’s request goes beyond forgiveness and into the realm of cleansing. David is not worried about looking good before his peers, as was Saul; he is concerned with how he looks in the eyes of God. Thus, the nature of sin is rebellion, the result of sin is a cry for cleansing, but the cure for sin is a radical cleansing from a gracious God.
It is important to take special note of David’s words in Psalm 51. There are many times that we can become sidetracked by doing good and expected things. We may believe that if we can keep it together on the outside, then that will be good enough. However, David’s lesson to us is that this is not true. What lies beneath what others can see has the potential to destroy us if left unaddressed. David notes that God is not interested in offerings, but pure hearts. Offerings look good; they come from people who look like they “have it all together”. However, David notes that a sacrifice without a pure heart is a waste of time and effort. The sacrifice was the means to holiness, not holiness in itself.
We must be attentive to what lies beneath. We must be willing to examine ourselves and seek the Holy Spirit’s council and conviction. If we are willing to lie to ourselves about the nature of our salvation, how can we ever truly be honest with anyone else about the nature of his or her salvation?
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