Psalms 51:15

Psalms 51:15 (KJV) is a poignant plea from King David, found within one of the Bible's most profound penitential psalms. After confronting his grievous sins with Bathsheba and Uriah, David pours out his heart in repentance, seeking not just forgiveness but also restoration of his spiritual vitality and ability to worship.

Context of Psalms 51:15

This verse is part of Psalm 51, traditionally ascribed to David after the prophet Nathan confronted him about his adultery and murder (2 Samuel 12:13). Having experienced the heavy burden of guilt and the silence of a conscience estranged from God, David yearns for renewed fellowship. Earlier in the psalm, he prays for cleansing and a clean heart (Psalms 51:10); here, his focus shifts to the outward expression of that restored relationship: praise.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Enablement for Praise: David acknowledges that his lips, once used for sin or silenced by guilt, cannot genuinely praise God without divine intervention. It is God who must "open" them, signifying that true worship flows from a heart renewed by His grace.
• Restoration of Spiritual Life: Sin can stifle our ability to worship and witness. This verse highlights the desire for spiritual restoration, where the consequence of forgiveness is not just peace, but the renewed capacity to declare God's goodness.
• Purpose of Forgiveness: Forgiveness is not merely about personal relief from guilt, but about restoring one's relationship with God to its intended purpose: fellowship, obedience, and the outward declaration of His glory. A forgiven heart naturally overflows with praise.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "open thou my lips" uses the Hebrew verb petach (פתח), which means "to open," "to loosen," or "to set free." This implies a spiritual blockage or constraint that only God can remove. It's not about physical inability to speak, but a spiritual inability to offer genuine, heartfelt praise due to the weight of sin. Once opened by divine grace, the mouth will "shew forth thy praise." The Hebrew verb nagad (נגד) means "to declare," "to proclaim," or "to tell," indicating an outward, public declaration of God's greatness and mercy, not just an internal feeling.

Practical Application and Reflection

Psalms 51:15 offers profound insight for believers today. When sin has burdened our hearts, or when we feel spiritually dry and unable to genuinely praise God, this verse serves as a model for prayer. It reminds us that:

• Sin Silences: Unconfessed sin can hinder our spiritual expression and ability to praise God.
• God Restores: Just as God cleansed David, He is willing to cleanse us and restore our spiritual voice. Our ability to praise is a gift from Him, flowing from a reconciled heart.
• Praise as Testimony: When God opens our lips, our praise becomes a powerful testimony to His forgiveness and transforming power. It becomes a "sacrifice of praise" that honors Him and encourages others. This verse encourages us to seek God's refreshing touch so that our lives, and indeed our very mouths, may continually "shew forth thy praise."