Do good to Zion in your good pleasure; build up the walls of Jerusalem;
Nathan's rebuke roused David from a spiritual torpor into which he had sunk for a long time. Seeing the magnitude of his guilt, he turns to God's infinite mercy as his only ground for hope, knowing he deserves multiplied condemnation and might justly be cast off forever.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 51:1-19
David's ruling passion breaks through even in confession: he cannot rest until Zion prospers and Jerusalem's walls stand firm. His sin had torn down what he longed to build, but he knows God alone can restore what man has ruined. Without His hand at work, we labour in vain, and so we must pray without ceasing for the church's welfare.
AI summary
David had hidden behind the excuse that he did not strike the blow himself, but now conscience cries out: he is the murderer. He hears the blood calling to God for vengeance and turns to plead for mercy. His tongue shall then sing loudly of God's righteousness, for that is the salvation the Lord brings, deliverance from sin itself.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 51:14-19