• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

Psalm 51:9 "Blot out all my iniquities..."

Day 120 – Psalm 51

“Blot out all my iniquities…” Psalm 51:9

NOT JUST ONE SPECIFIC SIN

Psalm 51 is sometimes mistakenly thought of as David confessing just one sin. The following text suggests otherwise. David was aware that sin never exists singly. Sin is often an ugly cluster.

“Hide Your face from my sins;
And blot out all my iniquities.”
Psalm 51:9

1. Plural sins

a) David used the plural to describe his sins.

b) They are identified as “sins” and “iniquities”.

2. “Hide Your face from My sins”

a) The word “hide” needs to be explained.

i) David was pleading with God not to look at his many sins and iniquities.

ii) God could look beyond sins.

iii) God could look at His promise to forgive according to His covenant.

b) The verbal phrase “blot out”.

i) It is best to read this phrase in close conjunction with “hiding Your face”.

ii) If God were indeed to blot out all iniquities, then there would be nothing to look at.

3. Consciousness of many sins and iniquities

a) Let us cultivate a good sense of understanding of human frailty and sinfulness.

b) Let us beware of superficial ritualistic confession of sin.

c) Let us also guard our hearts and minds from being overwhelmed by life’s many sins.

d) Let us plead for God’s full forgiveness with a firm faith that He will indeed grant a full pardon.