Psalm 51:9
“Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.”
KJV
Read in Psalm 51Meaning
He asks God to hide his face from sins and blot out iniquities, seeking forgiveness without pretending the wrong never happened.
Cleansing, renewal, and a steadfast spirit
Psalm 51 is a penitential prayer traditionally linked by its superscription to David after Nathan confronted him. It moves from appeal to God’s steadfast love and honest confession, through cleansing and inner renewal, toward restored witness, humble worship, and concern for Zion. Repentance here neither erases harm done to others nor turns contrition into self-hatred.
Read carefully
He asks God to hide his face from sins and blot out iniquities, seeking forgiveness without pretending the wrong never happened.
Reflection
He asks God to hide his face from sins and blot out iniquities, seeking forgiveness without pretending the wrong never happened.