Psalm 51:7
Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Cleanse me with hyssop
The phrase "Cleanse me with hyssop" is deeply rooted in the Hebrew tradition of purification. Hyssop, a small aromatic plant, was used in various purification rites in the Old Testament, notably in the cleansing of lepers (Leviticus 14:4-7) and during the Passover (Exodus 12:22). The Hebrew word for hyssop, "ezov," symbolizes purification and cleansing from sin. In this context, David is expressing a deep desire for spiritual cleansing, recognizing that only God can purify him from his transgressions. The use of hyssop signifies a plea for a thorough and divine cleansing, one that goes beyond the physical to reach the depths of the soul.

and I will be clean
The phrase "and I will be clean" reflects a confident assurance in God's ability to purify and forgive. The Hebrew word for clean, "tahor," implies purity and freedom from defilement. David's faith in God's mercy and power to cleanse is evident here. This assurance is not based on David's own merit but on God's gracious nature. It is a declaration of trust that once God acts, the cleansing will be complete and effective, restoring the sinner to a state of purity and righteousness.

wash me
The plea "wash me" is an appeal for a thorough cleansing. The Hebrew verb "kabac" is often used in the context of washing clothes, suggesting a vigorous and comprehensive cleansing process. This imagery conveys David's desire for God to remove the stain of sin completely. It is a recognition that sin has soiled his soul, and only divine intervention can restore him to a state of holiness. The washing here is not superficial but a deep cleansing that transforms the heart and spirit.

and I will be whiter than snow
The phrase "and I will be whiter than snow" uses the imagery of snow to depict purity and innocence. Snow, in its natural state, is a symbol of unblemished whiteness. The Hebrew word "laban" for white suggests brightness and purity. David's use of this imagery emphasizes the extent of the cleansing he seeks—one that leaves no trace of sin, rendering him as pure as freshly fallen snow. This metaphor highlights the transformative power of God's forgiveness, which can restore even the most tarnished soul to a state of pristine purity.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The author of Psalm 51, King David wrote this psalm as a prayer of repentance after the prophet Nathan confronted him about his sin with Bathsheba.

2. Nathan the Prophet
The prophet who confronted David about his sin, leading to David's repentance and the writing of this psalm.

3. Bathsheba
The woman with whom David committed adultery, which is the sin that prompted the writing of this psalm.

4. Hyssop
A plant used in ancient Israelite rituals for purification, symbolizing cleansing and purification from sin.

5. Jerusalem
The city where David reigned as king and where the events leading to this psalm took place.
Teaching Points
The Need for Purification
Recognize that sin creates a barrier between us and God, and we need His cleansing to restore our relationship with Him.

Symbolism of Hyssop
Understand the significance of hyssop as a symbol of purification and how it points to the ultimate cleansing through Jesus Christ.

God's Promise of Forgiveness
Trust in God's promise to cleanse us from sin when we come to Him with a repentant heart.

The Depth of God's Mercy
Reflect on the depth of God's mercy and grace, which can make us "whiter than snow" despite our sins.

Living a Life of Repentance
Embrace a lifestyle of continual repentance and reliance on God's grace for daily cleansing and renewal.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the historical context of David's sin with Bathsheba enhance our comprehension of Psalm 51:7?

2. In what ways does the use of hyssop in the Old Testament rituals deepen our understanding of spiritual purification?

3. How can we apply the imagery of being "whiter than snow" to our daily walk with Christ?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to live a life of repentance and seek God's cleansing regularly?

5. How do the themes of forgiveness and purification in Psalm 51:7 connect with the New Testament teachings on the cleansing power of Jesus' sacrifice?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 12:22
Hyssop is used during the Passover to apply the blood of the lamb to the doorposts, symbolizing protection and purification.

Isaiah 1:18
This verse speaks of sins being made as white as snow, similar to the cleansing imagery in Psalm 51:7.

Hebrews 9:19-22
Discusses the use of hyssop in the Old Testament for purification, connecting to the cleansing power of Christ's blood.

1 John 1:9
Emphasizes confession and God's faithfulness to forgive and purify us from all unrighteousness.
David's Prayer for CleansingThomas Horton, D. D.Psalm 51:7
Forgiveness of SinsT. Chalmers, D. D.Psalm 51:7
God Almighty's WhitePsalm 51:7
Human Sin and Divine CleansingWilliam Jones.Psalm 51:7
Hyssop an Emblem of ChristA. Symson.Psalm 51:7
Prayer an Index of the HeartJ. Addison Alexander, D. D.Psalm 51:7
The Complete Acceptance of the PenitentCanon Newbolt.Psalm 51:7
The Wordless BookCharles Haddon Spurgeon Psalm 51:7
Whiter than SnowC. S. Robinson, D. D.Psalm 51:7
Whiter than SnowJ. H. Jowett, M. A.Psalm 51:7
Whiter than SnowT. Alexander.Psalm 51:7
Whiter than SnowPsalm 51:7
Whiter than SnowW. Forsyth Psalm 51:7
Repentance and ForgivenessC. Short Psalm 51:1-8
A Petition and an ArgumentPsalm 51:1-19
Blot Out My TrangressionsAndrew Murray.Psalm 51:1-19
David's RepentanceJ. S. Macintosh, D. D.Psalm 51:1-19
God's Former Dealings a Plea for MercyThomas Horton, D. D.Psalm 51:1-19
God's LovingkindnessT. Alexander, M. A.Psalm 51:1-19
God's MercyA. Symson.Psalm 51:1-19
God's-Tender MerciesT. Alexander, D. D.Psalm 51:1-19
LessonsS. Hieron.Psalm 51:1-19
Sin Blotted OutCampbell Morgan, D. D.Psalm 51:1-19
The Exceeding Sinfulness of SinCanon Newbolt.Psalm 51:1-19
The Fifty-First PsalmF. W. Robertson, M. A.Psalm 51:1-19
The Greatness of Sin to a True PenitentMonday Club SermonsPsalm 51:1-19
The Minister's PsalmW. Forsyth Psalm 51:1-19
The Moan of a KingJ. Parker, D. D.Psalm 51:1-19
The Penitent SinnerHomilistPsalm 51:1-19
The Prayer for MercyAndrew Murray.Psalm 51:1-19
The Prayer of the PenitentG. F. Pentecost, D. D.Psalm 51:1-19
The Prayer of the PenitentDavid O. Mears.Psalm 51:1-19
The Psalmist's Prayer for MercyT. Biddulph, M. A.Psalm 51:1-19
Nothing But SinA. Symson.Psalm 51:5-7
Of Original SinD. Clarkson.Psalm 51:5-7
Original DepravityJ. Parker, D. D.Psalm 51:5-7
Original SinArchbishop Magee.Psalm 51:5-7
Original SinG. F. Pentecost, D. D.Psalm 51:5-7
Secrets of the HeartW. Forsyth Psalm 51:5-7
The Fact of Original Sin IndisputablePsalm 51:5-7
The Natural State of Mankind in Regard of SinT. Horton, D. D.Psalm 51:5-7
Total DepravityG. F. Pentecost, D. D.Psalm 51:5-7
People
Bathsheba, David, Doeg, Nathan, Psalmist, Saul
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Clean, Cleansest, Free, Hyssop, Purge, Purify, Sin, Snow, Wash, Washed, Washest, Whiter
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 51:7

     4402   plants
     4849   snow
     4859   white
     6021   sin, nature of
     6511   salvation
     6653   forgiveness, divine
     7340   clean and unclean
     7426   ritual washing
     7478   washing

Psalm 51:1-7

     6174   guilt, human aspects

Psalm 51:1-10

     8272   holiness, growth in

Psalm 51:1-12

     8604   prayer, response to God

Psalm 51:1-17

     1065   God, holiness of
     6655   forgiveness, application
     6735   repentance, examples
     8707   apostasy, personal

Psalm 51:2-7

     4470   hyssop

Psalm 51:3-7

     6115   blame

Psalm 51:6-7

     6603   acceptance, divine

Psalm 51:7-8

     5137   bones

Psalm 51:7-12

     8150   revival, personal

Library
David's Cry for Pardon
... Blot out my transgressions. 2. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.'--PSALM li. 1, 2. A whole year had elapsed between David's crime and David's penitence. It had been a year of guilty satisfaction not worth the having; of sullen hardening of heart against God and all His appeals. The thirty-second Psalm tells us how happy David had been during that twelvemonth, of which he says, 'My bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night Thy hand
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

David's Cry for Purity
'... Renew a right spirit within me. 11. ... And take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. 12. ... And uphold me with Thy free Spirit.' --PSALM li. 10-12. We ought to be very thankful that the Bible never conceals the faults of its noblest men. David stands high among the highest of these. His words have been for ages the chosen expression for the devotions of the holiest souls; and whoever has wished to speak longings after purity, lowly trust in God, the aspirations of love, or the raptures of devotion,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

January the Twenty-Seventh the Confession of Sin
"I acknowledge my transgressions; and my sin is ever before me." --PSALM li. 1-12. Sin that is unconfessed shuts out the energies of grace. Confession makes the soul receptive of the bountiful waters of life. We open the door to God as soon as we name our sin. Guilt that is penitently confessed is already in the "consuming fire" of God's love. When I "acknowledge my sin" I begin to enter into the knowledge of "pardon, joy, and peace." But if I hide my sin I also hide myself from "the unsearchable
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

Unimpeachable Justice
There is now agitating the public mind something which I thought I might improve this day, and turn to very excellent purpose. There are only two things concerning which the public have any suspicion. The verdict of the jury was the verdict of the whole of England; we were unanimous as to the high probability, the well-nigh absolute certainty of his guilt; but there were two doubts in our minds--one of them but small, we grant you, but if both could have been resolved we should have felt more easy
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

The Wordless Book
"Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow."--Psalm 51:7. I DARESAY you have most of you heard of a little book which an old divine used constantly to study, and when his friends wondered what there was in the book, he told them that he hoped they would all know and understand it, but that there was not single word in it. When they looked at it, they found that it consisted of only three leaves; the first was black, the second was red, and the third was pure white. The old minister used to gaze upon
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 57: 1911

Praying Saints of the Old Testaments (Continued)
Bishop Lambeth and Wainwright had a great M. E. Mission in Osaka, Japan. One day the order came from high up that no more meetings would be allowed in the city by Protestants. Lambeth and Wainwright did all they could but the high officials were obstinate and unrelenting. They then retired to the room of prayer. Supper time came and the Japanese girl came to summon them to their meal, but she fell under the power of prayer. Mrs. Lambeth came to find what the matter was and fell under the same power.
Edward M. Bounds—Prayer and Praying Men

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 A. D.
In the fourth period of the Church under the heathen Empire, or the period of the consolidation of the Church, the number of Christians increased so rapidly that the relation of the Roman State to the Church became a matter of the gravest importance (ch. 1). During a period of comparative peace and prosperity the Church developed its doctrinal system and its constitution (ch. 2). Although the school of Asia Minor became isolated and temporarily ceased to affect the bulk of the Church elsewhere, the
Joseph Cullen Ayer Jr., Ph.D.—A Source Book for Ancient Church History

Some Helps to Mourning
Having removed the obstructions, let me in the last place propound some helps to holy mourning. 1 Set David's prospect continually before you. My sin is ever before me' (Psalm 51:3). David, that he might be a mourner, kept his eye full upon sin. See what sin is, and then tell me if there be not enough in it to draw forth tears. I know not what name to give it bad enough. One calls it the devil's excrement. Sin is a complication of all evils. It is the spirits of mischief distilled. Sin dishonours
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

The Songs of the Fugitive.
The psalms which probably belong to the period of Absalom's rebellion correspond well with the impression of his spirit gathered from the historical books. Confidence in God, submission to His will, are strongly expressed in them, and we may almost discern a progress in the former respect as the rebellion grows. They flame brighter and brighter in the deepening darkness. From the lowest abyss the stars are seen most clearly. He is far more buoyant when he is an exile once more in the wilderness,
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David

Transcriber's Note.
There are significant differences in the numerous reprints of Isaac Watts' "Psalms." The first generation of this Project Gutenberg file was from an 1818 printing by C. Corrall of 38 Charing Cross, London. The Index and the Table of First Lines have been omitted for the following reasons: 1. They refer to page numbers that are here expunged; and 2. In this electronic version key words, etc., can be easily located via searches. Separate numbers have been added to Psalms that have more than one part
Isaac Watts—The Psalms of David

How God Answered Donald's Prayer
God often uses children to win grown folks for Christ. Little children not only have a deep faith but a childlike trust in believing that God answers their prayers. "All that ye ask in my name, believing, that ye shall receive." As a young girl, I went to Sunday School and learned about Jesus. Although I knew about my Savior and what He had done to save me, yet I never accepted Him as my own Redeemer and Friend. As years went by, I went into sin and shared in the common sins of worldly people.
S. B. Shaw—Touching Incidents and Remarkable Answers to Prayer

David and Nathan
'And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said unto David, The Lord also hath put away thy sin.'--2 SAMUEL xii. 13. We ought to be very thankful that Scripture never conceals the faults of its noblest men. High among the highest of them stands the poet- king. Whoever, for nearly three thousand years, has wished to express the emotions of trust in God, longing after purity, aspiration, and rapture of devotion, has found that his words have been before him. And this man
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Out of the Deep of Sin.
Innumerable troubles are come about me. My sins have taken such hold upon me, that I am not able to look up; yea, they are more in number than the hairs of my head, and my heart hath failed me.--Ps. xl. 15. I acknowledge my faults, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned, and done this evil in Thy sight.--Ps. li. 3. I said, I will confess my sins unto the Lord; and so Thou forgavest the wickedness of my sin.--Ps. xxxii. 6. Blessed is the man whose iniquity is forgiven, and
Charles Kingsley—Out of the Deep

Cleansing.
As there are conditions requiring to be complied with in order to the obtaining of salvation, before one can be justified, e. g., conviction of sin, repentance, faith; so there are conditions for full salvation, for being "filled with the Holy Ghost." Conviction of our need is one, conviction of the existence of the blessing is another; but these have been already dealt with. "Cleansing" is another; before one can be filled with the Holy Ghost, one's heart must be "cleansed." "Giving them the Holy
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

All are Sinners.
Some time ago we overheard from a person who should have known better, remarks something like these: "I wonder how sinners are saved in the Lutheran Church?" "I do not hear of any being converted in the Lutheran Church," and such like. These words called to mind similar sentiments that we heard expressed long ago. More than once was the remark made in our hearing that in certain churches sinners were saved, because converted and sanctified, while it was at least doubtful whether any one could find
G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church

God the Holy Spirit the Love which Dwells in the Heart.
"It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard; that went down to the skirts of his garments." --Psalm cxxxiii. 2. The fact that love can radiate within man does not insure him the possession of true and real Love, unless, according to His eternal counsel, God is pleased to enter into personal fellowship with him. So long as man knows Him only from afar and not near, God is a stranger to him. He may admire His Love, have a faint sense of it, be pleasantly
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Original Sin
Q-16: DID ALL MANKIND FALL IN ADAM'S FIRST TRANSGRESSION? A: The covenant being made with Adam, not only for himself, but for his posterity, all mankind descending from him, by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him in his first transgression. 'By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin,' &c. Rom 5:12. Adam being a representative person, while he stood, we stood; when he fell, we fell, We sinned in Adam; so it is in the text, In whom all have sinned.' Adam was the head
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

St. Malachy Becomes Bishop of Connor; He Builds the Monastery of iveragh.
16. (10). At that time an episcopal see was vacant,[321] and had long been vacant, because Malachy would not assent: for they had elected him to it.[322] But they persisted, and at length he yielded when their entreaties were enforced by the command of his teacher,[323] together with that of the metropolitan.[324] It was when he was just entering the thirtieth year of his age,[325] that he was consecrated bishop and brought to Connor; for that was the name of the city through ignorance of Irish ecclesiastical
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

In Fine, Supplication for Pardon, with Humble and Ingenuous Confession of Guilt...
In fine, supplication for pardon, with humble and ingenuous confession of guilt, forms both the preparation and commencement of right prayer. For the holiest of men cannot hope to obtain anything from God until he has been freely reconciled to him. God cannot be propitious to any but those whom he pardons. Hence it is not strange that this is the key by which believers open the door of prayer, as we learn from several passages in The Psalms. David, when presenting a request on a different subject,
John Calvin—Of Prayer--A Perpetual Exercise of Faith

But Regard the Troops of virgins, Holy Boys and Girls...
37. But regard the troops of virgins, holy boys and girls: this kind hath been trained up in Thy Church: there for Thee it hath been budding from its mother's breasts; for Thy Name it hath loosed its tongue to speak, Thy Name, as through the milk of its infancy, it hath had poured in and hath sucked, no one of this number can say, "I, who before was a blasphemer, and persecutor, and injurious, but I obtained mercy, in that I did in being ignorant, in unbelief." [2130] Yea more, that, which Thou commandedst
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

Moral Depravity.
VIII. Let us consider the proper method of accounting for the universal and total moral depravity of the unregenerate moral agents of our race. In the discussion of this subject, I will-- 1. Endeavor to show how it is not to be accounted for. In examining this part of the subject, it is necessary to have distinctly in view that which constitutes moral depravity. All the error that has existed upon this subject, has been founded in false assumptions in regard to the nature or essence of moral depravity.
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

The Sinfulness of Original Sin.
MATTHEW xix. 20.--"The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?" In the preceding discourse from these words, we discussed that form and aspect of sin which consists in "coming short" of the Divine Law; or, as the Westminster Creed states it, in a "want of conformity" unto it. The deep and fundamental sin of the young ruler, we found, lay in what he lacked. When our Lord tested him, he proved to be utterly destitute of love to God. His soul was a
William G.T. Shedd—Sermons to the Natural Man

How Shall one Make Use of Christ as the Life, when Wrestling with an Angry God Because of Sin?
That we may give some satisfaction to this question, we shall, 1. Shew what are the ingredients in this case, or what useth to concur in this distemper. 2. Shew some reasons why the Lord is pleased to dispense thus with his people. 3. Shew how Christ is life to the soul in this case. 4. Shew the believer's duty for a recovery; and, 5. Add a word or two of caution. As to the first, There may be those parts of, or ingredients in this distemper: 1. God presenting their sins unto their view, so as
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

That a Man Ought not to Reckon Himself Worthy of Consolation, but More Worthy of Chastisement
O Lord, I am not worthy of Thy consolation, nor of any spiritual visitation; and therefore Thou dealest justly with me, when Thou leavest me poor and desolate. For if I were able to pour forth tears like the sea, still should I not be worthy of Thy consolation. Therefore am I nothing worthy save to be scourged and punished, because I have grievously and many a time offended Thee, and in many things have greatly sinned. Therefore, true account being taken, I am not worthy even of the least of Thy
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

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