Wash Me Thoroughly (Psalm 51:2)

 


Monday, 22 September, 2025


Psalm 51

1 Kings 13:1-19

Matthew 6:16-24


Wash Me Thoroughly (Psalm 51:2)


Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
    and cleanse me from my sin!


This Psalm has captivated the Church for a long time. Two verses at least are still used today in our public worship. Our verse for today, the second, is what the Priest prays as he washes his hands before presiding over the Lord’s Supper. Meanwhile, the 17th verse is found at the very start of the Prayer Book, as part of the invitation to confession and absolution.


We read in the superscript that David composed this Psalm after he had committed the horrific crime involving Bathsheba: a woman who was not his wife, so desperate to sleep with her, he sent her husband to fight a doomed battle to get him out of the way. Going by the tone of this Psalm we see the truth of the ancient saying “after coitus, the Devil’s laughter can be heard”.


Yet in spite of the high evil of his sin, David found God’s forgiveness. And faithful people of every age, in no position to throw stones, have found comfort and peace in David’s example. The vilest offender who truly believes, a pardon from Jesus that moment receives. And so we continue, every morning and every evening during the Office prayers: O Lord, open thou our lips, and our mouth shall shew forth thy praise (v. 15).


What amazing example of God’s forgiveness have you experienced in the past? What burden are you currently carrying that could be lifted by God’s forgiveness in Christ?


God of mercy, who delights in truth and the praise of your forgiven people: wash us thoroughly of our sins by the forgiving blood of Jesus, that we may be clean and enjoy your surpassing peace.

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