Psalm 51:1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. 5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. 14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness. 15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. 18 Do good to Zion in your good pleasure; build up the walls of Jerusalem; 19 then will you delight in right sacrifices, in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on your altar.
So often we find ourselves in moments of moral failure or spiritual struggle, once again coming to the throne of grace seeking mercy. We accept the fact that we have sinned and come short of the glory of God. We are not denying that we have sinned any longer and we are longing for renewal. In Psalm 51 David has come to the place of acceptance. In his case, conviction came by the word of the prophet Nathan, “You are the man.” We too come to the place of acceptance by the Holy Spirit and the word of God. But many of us still grapple with the question, “What do I do when I sin?” Thankfully, the Bible provides guidance and assurance for those who seek forgiveness and restoration in the aftermath of wrongdoing. Let’s explore again the principles of confession, forgiveness, and renewal as outlined in both the Old and New Testaments.
Question: What does it mean to seek forgiveness in the Old Testament?
Answer: In the Old Testament, seeking forgiveness often involved rituals of purification and sacrifices. For example, Psalm 51, attributed to King David after his affair with Bathsheba, illustrates a heartfelt prayer of repentance. David pleads for mercy and cleansing from his sins, acknowledging his transgressions and longing for purification (Psalm 51:1-2).
Question: How is confession and forgiveness portrayed in Psalm 51?
Answer: In Psalm 51, David uses vivid language and imagery to convey his need for forgiveness and renewal. Let’s delve into the Hebrew word definitions and the word pictures they evoke:
- Blot out:
- Hebrew: “מַחְנֵ֬י”
- Definition: To wipe away, erase, or obliterate.
- Word picture: Imagine a piece of parchment where the ink of wrongdoing is wiped away completely, leaving no trace behind. This imagery emphasizes the complete removal of sin and guilt, offering a fresh start and a clean slate before God. These words are repeated in the Psalm and are significant. We need our record wiped clean. God’s background check will show no prior offences!
- Wash me thoroughly:
- Hebrew: “כְּבָ֤סֵֽנִי”
- Definition: To wash or cleanse thoroughly, to make clean.
- Word picture: This imagery evokes the act of washing garments or scrubbing something clean until it is spotless, removing all impurities. It symbolizes the deep purification and renewal of the individual, leaving no stain of sin behind. The filth of this sinful flesh is now gone and our garments are spotless.
- Cleanse me from sin:
- Hebrew: “טָ֘הֵ֤ר”
- Definition: To purify or cleanse from impurity.
- Word picture: This implies a profound purification, like removing stains or impurities from a surface to make it pure and undefiled. It speaks of a thorough cleansing that restores the individual to a state of moral purity and holiness. Over and over David pleads for cleansing. He can feel the shame of his dirty deeds
- Purge me:
- Hebrew: “תְּחַטְּאֵֽנִי”
- Definition: To purify, cleanse, or make ceremonially clean.
- Word picture: This is akin to a thorough cleansing, removing all traces of impurity or wrongdoing, making the individual ceremonially clean before God.
- Before moving on I want to pause here to expound on the act of washing with hyssop carried out in the Old Testament. In this act we find profound connection to Jesus.
In the Old Testament, the act of washing with hyssop was typically performed by dipping a bundle of hyssop branches into water or a prescribed mixture (such as water mixed with the blood of a sacrificial animal) and then sprinkling it on the person or object to be cleansed. This ritual was often associated with purification from sin or impurity, as described in various passages such as Leviticus 14:4-7 and Psalm 51:7.
In Christian theology, water symbolizes purification, cleansing, and renewal. This symbolism is derived from various biblical passages, such as Ephesians 5:26 which speaks of Christ cleansing the church “by the washing of water with the word.” Water is also associated with baptism, which symbolizes spiritual rebirth and the forgiveness of sins. The well of water springing up unto eternal life, spoken of by Jesus to the woman of Samaria, speaks of the indwelling Holy Spirit at the moment of conversion.
The water and blood mentioned in relation to Christ have significant symbolism, particularly in the context of his crucifixion. According to the Gospel of John (John 19:34), when Jesus was pierced with a spear, blood and water flowed from his side. This event, while material, has been interpreted symbolically in Christian theology:
- Blood: Shed at the death of Jesus Christ, provided his atoning sacrifice for the sins of humanity. It represents the forgiveness of sins and the redemption of humanity through Christ’s death on the cross. HIS blood provides our salvation.
- Water: Symbolizes purification and the cleansing of sins. The flowing water from Christ’s side represents the outpouring of grace and the Holy Spirit, which purifies and renews believers. HiS water provides sanctification. He sets us apart by the word and the Spirit.
Together, the water and blood symbolize the fullness of Christ’s redemptive work on the cross, offering both forgiveness and purification to humanity. The significance of water in this context underscores the theme of spiritual cleansing and renewal through Christ’s sacrifice.
The Significance of Hyssop
The use of hyssop for spiritual cleansing holds profound significance. This humble herb, with its physical characteristics and spiritual connections, carries rich symbolism throughout Scripture. Let’s explore the reasons for hyssop’s selection and its spiritual significance in the Bible.
Hyssop: Physical Characteristics and Symbolism:
Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is a small herbaceous plant characterized by its fragrant leaves and clusters of pink, blue, or white flowers. Its branches were often used as brushes for sprinkling or applying liquids, owing to their absorbent nature. In addition to its practical uses, hyssop carries symbolic importance in the Bible, representing purification, cleansing, and spiritual renewal.
Hyssop in Scripture:
Hyssop is mentioned several times in the Bible, particularly in contexts related to ritual purification and forgiveness of sins. Here are a few notable references:
- Passover Lamb: During the institution of the Passover, the Israelites were instructed to use a bunch of hyssop to apply the blood of the lamb to the doorposts of their houses (Exodus 12:22). This act served as a sign of protection and deliverance from the plague of death.
- Cleansing from Leprosy: In Leviticus 14, hyssop is prescribed as part of the ritual for cleansing a person healed from leprosy. The priest would use hyssop, along with cedarwood, scarlet yarn, and the blood of a bird, to sprinkle the person with water, symbolizing their purification and restoration to the community.
- Psalm 51: In Psalm 51, King David pleads for cleansing and renewal after his sin with Bathsheba. He implores God, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow” (Psalm 51:7). Here, hyssop symbolizes spiritual purification and the removal of sin’s stain.
Hyssop in the New Testament:
While hyssop is primarily associated with Old Testament rituals, its symbolic significance extends into the New Testament:
- Jesus’ Crucifixion: During Jesus’ crucifixion, a sponge soaked in sour wine was placed on a branch of hyssop and offered to him to drink (John 19:29). This event fulfilled the prophecy and symbolized the completion of Jesus’ redemptive work, offering spiritual cleansing and salvation to humanity.
Spiritual Connection and Symbolism:
The choice of hyssop for spiritual cleansing holds deeper spiritual significance. Its use represents humility and dependence on God for purification. Hyssop’s fragrant aroma and absorbent branches symbolize the cleansing and purifying work of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life
Hyssop’s role in biblical rituals and its symbolic significance point to the central theme of spiritual cleansing and renewal found throughout Scripture. Whether applied to the doorposts of homes during the Passover or used in the ritual purification of individuals, hyssop serves as a tangible reminder of God’s provision for forgiveness and restoration. As we reflect on its significance, may we embrace the cleansing work of God in our lives, allowing His Spirit to purify us and make us whiter than snow.
For Christians today, confessing sin and seeking forgiveness can be seen as a spiritual parallel to the psalmist’s plea for purification. Just as the psalmist sought cleansing through the sprinkling of blood and water with hyssop, believers seek forgiveness and renewal through confession and repentance, trusting in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. When we confess our sins today, we can draw parallels to the psalmist’s plea for purification with hyssop, recognizing the need for spiritual cleansing and renewal in our relationship with God. Now let’s move on with the list.
- Hide your face from my sin:
- Hebrew: “הַסְתֵּֽר”
- Definition: To conceal or turn away from.
- Word picture: It suggests God turning His face away from the individual’s sin, no longer seeing or acknowledging it, symbolizing forgiveness and restoration of relationship. Isaiah 38:17 ESV [17] Behold, it was for my welfare that I had great bitterness; but in love you have delivered my life from the pit of destruction, for you have cast all my sins behind your back. Thank God that He is not in the shame game. He remembers our sins no more. We must follow His example and forgive ourselves and one another.
- Wash me and I will be whiter than snow:
- Hebrew: “תְּכַבְּסֵ֖נִי וּמִשֶּׁ֣לֶג אֶלְבָּ֑ין”
- Definition: To wash until completely clean and pure.
- Word picture: This vividly portrays the transformation from impurity to purity, likening it to the pristine whiteness of freshly fallen snow. This is how God sees the repentant. Amazing imagery.
- Blot out all my iniquities:
- Hebrew: “מַחְהֵ֖י כָּל־עֲוֺנֹתָ֣י”
- Definition: To completely wipe away or erase all wrongdoing.
- Word picture: Similar to the first point, this imagery emphasizes the thorough removal of sin, leaving no trace behind. This phrase is repeated in the psalm. Erasing my debt, taking the debt off the books.
- Create in me a clean heart:
- Hebrew: “בְּרָא־לִ֥י לֵ֜ב טָה֥וֹר”
- Definition: To bring about or make anew, specifically a pure heart.
- Word picture: This speaks of a divine act of creation, forming a new heart that is pure and untainted by sin, symbolizing inner transformation and renewal.
- Restore the joy:
- Hebrew: “תַּשְׁמִיעֵ֣נִי שָׂשֽׂוֹן”
- Definition: To cause to hear or experience joy or gladness again.
- Word picture: It implies the renewal of joy and gladness, bringing back the sense of celebration and happiness that was lost due to sin and guilt. If we could ever truly internalize these truths we would have joy unspeakable and full of glory. Our cups will truly run over!
- Deliver me from bloodguiltiness:
- Hebrew: “פְּטָרֵ֥נִי מִדָּמִ֗ים”
- Definition: To rescue or free from the guilt of shedding blood or guilt associated with sin.
- Word picture: This expresses a plea for liberation from the burden of guilt and responsibility for wrongdoing, seeking freedom and redemption from the consequences of sin.
Question: What does the New Testament teach about confession and forgiveness?
Answer: In the New Testament, we encounter the fulfillment of God’s plan for redemption through Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:9 assures believers that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Jesus himself emphasized the importance of confession and repentance, urging people to turn away from sin and turn toward God (Luke 13:3).
Question: What are the key themes related to confession and forgiveness in the Bible?
Answer: The Bible teaches that confession involves acknowledging our sins before God and seeking his forgiveness. It emphasizes the importance of genuine repentance, turning away from sin and turning toward God in humility and contrition. Through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, believers can experience the forgiveness and cleansing of their sins, finding hope and redemption in his atoning sacrifice.
Question: How can believers find comfort and assurance in seeking forgiveness?
Answer: When believers struggle with sin, they can find comfort and assurance in God’s love and mercy. Through confession, repentance, and faith in Jesus Christ, they can experience the cleansing and renewal of their hearts. By reaching out to fellow believers or spiritual leaders for support and encouragement, they can journey toward spiritual wholeness and deeper intimacy with God.
We have written on this subject often in our blog posts, as this cleansing is a recurring theme is our lives. Please know that Jesus is waiting for us to agree with Him and repent of our sins. What can I do when I sin? Come to Jesus. Blood for salvation and water for sanctification flowed from His side. Just as water and blood was mingled in the temple and hyssop used for sprinkling, we can be washed clean today. B