The artificial grouping of these three psalms of David is, nonetheless, instructive.

Note the progression of thought and emotion.

The guilty one pleads (Psalm 51)

Without doubt, the murderous adulterer is serious about seeking God’s mercy, as the following list reveals.

• have mercy upon me (v 1)
• blot out my transgressions
• wash me from my iniquity (v 2)
• cleanse me from my sin
• purge me with hyssop (v 7)
• wash me whiter than snow
• make me to hear ( v 8 )
• hide your face from my sins (v 9)
• blot out all my iniquities
• create in me a clean heart (v 10)
• renew a right spirit within me
• cast me not away from your presence (v 11)
• take not your holy spirit from me
• restore unto me the joy of your salvation (v 12)
• uphold me with you free spirit
• deliver me from bloodguiltiness (v 14)
• open my lips to praise you (v 15)
• do good (v 18)
• build

The convicted one sorrows (Psalm 38)

At the beginning (v 1) and end (v21) of the psalm we find David seeking, not justice, but mercy. And between these extremities he speaks of the extremities of life which have overtaken him, all brought on by his sin.

The forgiven one rejoices (Psalm 32)

Guilty but forgiven, David rejoices in God’s mercy that sin can be covered and iniquity need not be imputed to our account with God.

Though there have been seasons of deep remorse because of his sin, the psalmist remember to rejoice in the Lord; and he encourages others to praise God, too (v 11).

Truly the man is blessed who need not worry about his sin. Are you blessed?

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Political Sex Scandal

David’s adulterous affair leads to murder and loss of his office.

• While other kings were attending to the defense of their lands, David was at ease in Jerusalem (11:1).
• A random glance at the woman next door was not, in itself, sinful; but the look turned to lust for another man’s wife (11:2-4).
• The woman’s pregnancy was proof of her unfaithfulness. There was no DNA on a blue dress to prove who was the father.
• Attempting to hide the sin, David calls Uriah from the battle, encourages him to go home to his wife, and even gets the Hittite drunk (11:6-13).
• David, in writing, orders General Joab to place Uriah in a dangerous position where the unknowing husband might be killed; and Joab obeys (11:14-17).
• Joab send a messenger to inform the king that the evil deed has been done (11:18-25). David is pleased.
• After a time of mourning, Bathsheba is summoned to be David’s wife (11:26-27). God is displeased.
• The exact number of those who knew of the king’s sinful indiscretion is unknown. But God knew; and He sent Nathan to reprimand David (12:1).
• The story about a rich man and a poor man elicits David’s proper judgment, judgment which is turned upon the king himself (12:1-7).
• David is accused of adultery and murder. He admits his guilt (12:8-13).
• His sin has given occasion to the enemies of God to blaspheme (12:14).
• Another will suffer because of David’s sin (12:14).

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David’s kindness accepted (2 Samuel 9)

• Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan, humbly acknowledges David’s grace and gratefully accepts the invitation to eat at the king’s table.

David’s kindness rejected (2 Samuel 10)

• Hanun, son of of Ammonite king Nahash, ill-advisedly spurns David’s condolences and instigates a war with Israel which he does not win, though he enlists the help of Syrian mercenaries.

Meditation Points:

God’s kindness to men is sometimes accepted and sometimes rejected. God continues to be kind.

Be not surprised when men think evil of your good deeds.

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A Song to Teach (Psalm 60:1)

This psalm was written after a great victory in the life of David (v 1)

• Has God ever enabled you to be victorious over one sin or another?
• Have you ever been so joyful that you broke into praise?
• Did you use your victory as a lesson for others?

Note that victory, glorious victory, comes after great trouble (v 1-4)

• Feelings of being cast off and scattered by God
• Sensing God’s displeasure and aloofness
• Creation shaking and broken by our sin
• Observing hard times with astonishment
• Standing beneath the banner of the reverent and true

That banner declares: God will save His people (v 5)

• Doesn’t this encourage you to ask Him to save you?
• Doesn’t this give cause for rejoicing?
• Doesn’t this spur you to fight on against sin?
• Doesn’t this assure you that the previous trials are but temporary?
• Doesn’t this help you to look to God for help?
• Doesn’t this give God all the credit for our success?

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