Chapter 51 - The plea of penitent



1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.


2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.


3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.


4 Against thee (thee only) have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.1


5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.


6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.


7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.




Hyssop


8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.


9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.


10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.


11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.


12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.


13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.


14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.


15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.


16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.


17 The sacrifices (of God) are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.


18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.


19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices (of righteousness), with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.



Chapter 52