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Patriarchs and Prophets
inspired his prayer. But he saw the enormity of his transgression
against God; he saw the defilement of his soul; he loathed his sin. It
was not for pardon only that he prayed, but for purity of heart. David
did not in despair give over the struggle. In the promises of God to
repentant sinners he saw the evidence of his pardon and acceptance.
“For Thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it:
Thou delightest not in burnt offering.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit:
A broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not
despise.”
Psalm 51:16, 17
.
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Though David had fallen, the Lord lifted him up. He was now
more fully in harmony with God and in sympathy with his fellow men
than before he fell. In the joy of his release he sang:
“I acknowledged my sin unto Thee, and mine iniquity
have I
not hid.
I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord;
And Thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin....
Thou art my hiding place; Thou shalt preserve me from
trouble;
Thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliver-
ance.”
Psalm 32:5-7
.
Many have murmured at what they called God’s injustice in sparing
David, whose guilt was so great, after having rejected Saul for what
appear to them to be far less flagrant sins. But David humbled himself
and confessed his sin, while Saul despised reproof and hardened his
heart in impenitence.
This passage in David’s history is full of significance to the re-
penting sinner. It is one of the most forcible illustrations given us of
the struggles and temptations of humanity, and of genuine repentance
toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Through all the ages