This famous Psalm deals King David’s confession after he had committed adultery with Bathsheba and organised for her husband Uriah to be killed in battle (see 2 Samuel 11-12).

David realises that his only hope is not from making any excuses but in trusting in the Lord’s love and mercy (v1). He not only wants forgiveness but also cleansing from sin (v2). He realises that his big problem is that he is guilty before this holy and all-knowing God (v3-6).

The purging with hyssop (v7) refers to how the branch of a hyssop plant was used to put the blood on the doorposts when the Israelites were protected at the Passover and also a hyssop branch was used by priests to scatter blood on those presenting offerings. It is only through the blood of a sacrifice that David could know cleansing.

David’s guilt has almost broken him but he speaks here of a great hope for restoration (v8-12). This was not something he (or we) deserved, but it comes down to the amazing grace of God towards sinners. Make verses 9-12 your personal prayer.