David’s sin with Bathsheba, and the murder of her husband, are quite the stains on an otherwise illustrious life (2 Sam. 11:1-27).
From this failure, and the prophetic confrontation that followed, we are given David’s prayer of repentance in Psalm fifty-one.
David uses three words to describe his failure (Ps. 51:3-5,9,13): transgression, iniquity, and sin. In the original language “transgress” meant “to rebel.” Another definition for transgress is to “go beyond.” David rebelled and went beyond God’s laws and committed adultery and murder, and a whole host of other sins. We become transgressors when we go beyond what God has commanded.
In Hebrew the word “iniquity” means “perversion” or “crooked dealing.” David’s actions were perverse and depraved. What God declared to be straight, David decided to distort. David’s actions were part of a deeper problem for he notes that he was born with iniquity: “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me” (Psalms 51:5).
The Hebrew definition for “sin” is to “miss the mark” or “fall short.” Paul wrote, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). What mark did David miss, and what mark do we miss? We miss the mark of God’s character. Paul wrote that our sinful condition leaves us short of God’s glory.
The psalm begins with David throwing himself upon God’s mercy (Ps. 51:1). David acknowledged that he was in need of forgiveness. The first step towards forgiveness and salvation from our sin is the admission that we need rescued. David’s prayer is teeming with repentance. Guilt is such a heavy burden to carry. David longed to be relieved of such a weight, and cast himself at Jehovah’s feet to find mercy.
David’s transgression, iniquity and sin were matched with God’s love, mercy, and compassion. But how can God’s mercy, love, and compassion be adequately applied to sinners? Salvation is applied by a gracious God through blotting out, washing thoroughly, and cleansing inwardly.
David’s sins were committed under the Old Testament, and demanded justice. Here, under the covenant of the Law, David had a first-hand experience with the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was a man acquainted with sin and God’s grace. If you are in need of forgiveness take a few moments to read through Psalm fifty-one and witness the gospel according to David.