Keraia
Psalm 51

Psalm 51:18

Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God · Psalm 51:1–19
Read Psalm 51

Translations

Modern
In Your good pleasure, cause Zion to prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem.
Traditional
Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.
Literal
By Your pleasure, do good to Zion; may You build up the walls of Jerusalem.
Latin
Benigne fac, Domine, in bona voluntate tua Sion, ut ædificentur muri Jerusalem.

Original

Hebrew
English
In Your good pleasure, cause Zion to prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem.

Notes

Psalms 51:18–19

build up the walls of Jerusalem: These verses were likely added as a prayer for national restoration after the exile (see Psalms 42–43). The entire community in exile shared the feelings expressed in this psalm.

Psalms 51:1–19

This heartfelt prayer for restoration seeks God's favor, mercy, forgiveness, and cleansing. With a broken spirit, the psalmist admits his sin and takes responsibility (Psalm 51:3–6). He then asks God to remove his guilt and renew him internally (Psalm 51:7–12). The psalmist commits again to living wisely and joyfully while serving God and others (Psalm 51:13–17).

Psalms 51:1–65:13

These psalms of David share a common theme. They reflect on the experience of evil. In Psalm 51, the psalmist admits his wrongdoing and asks for God's forgiveness. Psalms 52–64 express sorrow over specific evils David faced. A song of praise (Psalm 65) brings David's laments to an end.

Theme notes and profiles

Bathsheba David Pure Worship Rebuilding of Jerusalem Zion

Parallels

2 Samuel 12:1–12

Places

Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions

Glossary

Bathsheba Confession Conversion David Hosea, Book of Man, Old and New Mercy Music Prayer Psalms, Book of Repentance Sin Zion

Topics

Church: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Intercession: Exemplified Jerusalem: The Jews: Prayed for the Prosperity of Patriotism: General Scriptures Concerning