All things bear record · Psalms

Psalms 51

0 witnesses of Christ here, and 4 further echoes from the reading.

Blot Out My Transgressions

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Psalms 51:1–2

David pleads for God to blot out and wash away his sins. Jehovah is the One who blots out transgressions, and He does it through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

A readingJehovah — the LORDTeaching about Him
  • the same title in Isaiah 43:25 — 'I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions.'

Purged with Hyssop

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Psalms 51:7

Hyssop was used to put the Passover lamb's blood on the doorposts and to sprinkle cleansing blood, and a hyssop branch was lifted to Jesus on the cross. David asks to be cleansed by what the blood of the Lamb provides, becoming whiter than snow.

A readingProphecy or typeAn object that is a type of Him
  • alludes to Exodus 12:22 — Hyssop dipped in the blood of the Passover lamb.
  • typified by John 19:29 — Vinegar put 'upon hyssop' and raised to the crucified Christ.
  • alludes to Isaiah 1:18 — Sins as scarlet 'shall be as white as snow.'
  • typified by Revelation 7:14 — Robes washed white in the blood of the Lamb.

A Clean Heart

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Psalms 51:10–12

David asks for a new, clean heart, the mighty change of heart that comes through Christ.

A readingEchoTeaching about Him
  • alluded to by Mosiah 5:2 — The Spirit wrought a mighty change in their hearts.
  • alluded to by Alma 5:14 — Spiritually born of God, experiencing a mighty change of heart.

A Broken Heart and a Contrite Spirit

For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. Psalms 51:16–17

The offering God wants is a broken heart and contrite spirit. The risen Christ told the Nephites to replace blood sacrifice with exactly this, and Lehi taught that Christ's own sacrifice answers the law for those who bring it.

A readingProphecy or typeTeaching about Him
  • alluded to by 3 Nephi 9:19-20 — Christ: no more shedding of blood; offer 'a broken heart and a contrite spirit.'
  • alluded to by 2 Nephi 2:7 — He offered Himself a sacrifice for sin unto all with a broken heart and contrite spirit.
  • alluded to by D&C 59:8 — Sacrifice of 'a broken heart and a contrite spirit.'