Psalms 51:8

Commentary on Psalms 51:8 (KJV)

Psalms 51:8 is a heartfelt plea from King David, expressing his deep desire for spiritual and emotional restoration after committing grievous sins involving Bathsheba and Uriah. Following his confession and request for cleansing in previous verses, David now yearns for the return of joy and vitality.

Context

This verse is part of Psalm 51, a penitential psalm traditionally attributed to David after the prophet Nathan confronted him about his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah the Hittite (as detailed in 2 Samuel 12:13). The entire psalm is a profound expression of repentance, confession, and a desperate longing for God's forgiveness and restoration. Verse 8 comes after David has acknowledged his sin and sought purification, now moving to the desire for the positive effects of that cleansing.

Key Themes

• Spiritual Restoration: David's primary desire is for God to "make me to hear joy and gladness." This isn't just about superficial happiness but a deep, internal restoration of spiritual well-being that has been lost due to his sin.
• The Devastating Impact of Sin: The imagery of "the bones which thou hast broken" powerfully conveys the crushing weight and profound spiritual anguish that sin inflicted upon David's soul. It speaks of a deep, internal pain, akin to physical injury, caused by his transgression and God's displeasure.
• God's Power to Heal: Despite the profound brokenness, David believes that only God can cause these "broken bones" to "rejoice." This highlights God's unique ability to heal the deepest spiritual wounds and bring life where there was despair.
• The Fruit of Repentance: This verse anticipates the joy and gladness that follow true repentance and forgiveness, a theme echoed later in the psalm with the plea to "restore unto me the joy of thy salvation".

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the bones which thou hast broken" uses a common Hebrew idiom. "Bones" (Hebrew: 'atzamoth) often represent the deepest parts of a person's being, their core strength, or vitality. To have one's bones "broken" (Hebrew: shabar) signifies a profound internal collapse, severe distress, or existential anguish, not necessarily a literal physical injury. It emphasizes the complete shattering of his inner peace and spiritual health due to his sin and the resulting sense of divine judgment. David seeks not just relief, but a complete reversal of this inner devastation, leading to rejoicing from his very core.

Practical Application

Psalms 51:8 offers profound lessons for believers today:

• Sin's Consequences: It reminds us that sin, even when hidden, has devastating effects on our spiritual and emotional well-being, leading to a loss of joy and a sense of brokenness.
• Hope in Repentance: Even when we feel utterly broken by our failures, God has the power to restore us. True repentance opens the door for God to mend what sin has shattered, turning sorrow into joy.
• Prayer for Restoration: This verse provides a model for praying for spiritual and emotional renewal. We can humbly ask God to restore our joy and gladness, trusting that He is capable of healing our deepest hurts and giving us the oil of joy for mourning.