Psalms 51:9
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 51:9
9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
Chapter Context
Psalms 51 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, mercy, wisdom. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-19: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 51:9
9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
Analysis
The prayer for divine amnesia: 'Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.' David asks God to look away from his sins and to erase them from the record. 'Blot out' uses the imagery of wiping a slate clean or deleting a written record. Complete removal, not merely overlooking.
Historical Context
Ancient records were kept on clay tablets or papyrus; 'blotting out' meant erasing or destroying the record. David asks for his sins to be removed from God's book of remembrance.
Reflection
- What is the difference between God 'hiding His face from sins' and ignoring sin?
- How does Christ's work 'blot out' our transgressions completely?
Word Studies
- Sin: חַטָּאת (Chatta'ah) H2399 - Sin, missing the mark
Cross-References
- Sin: Psalms 51:1, Isaiah 38:17, Jeremiah 16:17
- Parallel theme: Colossians 2:14