Though David penned this psalm upon a very particular occasion, yet, it is of as general use as any of David’s psalms; it is the most eminent of the penitential psalms, and most expressive of the cares and desires of a repenting sinner.

Penitential Petitions. To the chief musician. A psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bath-sheba. 1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

I. See here what David prays for. Many excellent petitions he here puts up, to which if we do but add, “for Christ’s sake,” they are as evangelical as any other. 1.

I. David prays against the guilt of sin, and prays for the grace of God, enforcing both petitions from a plea taken from the glory of God, which he promises with thankfulness to show forth. 1.