Chapter Summary

The penitential prayer of David.

Discussion Questions for Psalms, Chapter 51

1. What is the superscription of this Psalm? What should this tell you about the mindset of David when he composes this Psalm?
2. Read 2 Samuel 12 in its entireiety, then read this Psalm over. What insight does this give you to the Psalm, what specific verses connect to each other?
3. According to what character trait of God does David ask to be forgiven for his sin? How often do you appeal to the characteristics of God? What situations do you usually see yourself doing it?
4. In v.4, how can David say "Against you, you only have I sinned" (ESV), isn't it true he sinned against Bathsheba? Uriah? How can David say he only sinned against God?
5. In v.5, it says "Behold, I was brought forth iniquity and in sin did my mother conceive me." (ESV), what does this tell you about the condition of humanity? Explain.
6. How would you describe David's response to having his Sin revealed to him? If secret sin was brought forth from your life, would you have this reaction? Is there any secret sin that needs to be confessed right now?
7. David says "take not your Holy Spirit from me" (ESV) in v.11, give a theological and biblical response to the appearance of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament. What are other instances of the Holy Spirit appearing in the Old Testament? What does this tell you about God?
8. Why do you think God delights in truth in the inward being? What should this tell you about what God desires from His people?
9. How does David describe the sacrifices of God? Why is this important? How is this encouraging to believers who are disheartened?
10. Describe a time in your life that you were broken before the Lord. What was the reason of your brokenness? What did this teach you about God?

Key Words/Phrase

Confession, v. 3.

Characters

God, David.

Strong Verse(s)

1, 7, 10, 17.