Cast me not away from Your presence;
This plea reflects the deep desire for communion with God, a theme prevalent throughout the Bible. Being in God's presence signifies favor, protection, and blessing. In the Old Testament, God's presence was often associated with the Tabernacle or Temple, where His glory dwelt (Exodus 25:8, 1 Kings 8:10-11). David, the psalmist, understood the gravity of being separated from God, as seen in the consequences faced by Cain (Genesis 4:14) and Israel during their periods of disobedience (Isaiah 59:2). Theologically, this phrase underscores the importance of repentance and the fear of divine abandonment, which is a fate worse than any earthly punishment.

take not Your Holy Spirit from me.
This request highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament, which was given selectively and could be withdrawn, as seen in the life of King Saul (1 Samuel 16:14). David, having witnessed Saul's downfall, earnestly seeks to retain the Spirit's guidance and empowerment. The Holy Spirit's presence was crucial for leadership and fulfilling God's purposes (Judges 6:34, 1 Samuel 10:10). In a broader biblical context, this foreshadows the New Testament promise of the indwelling Holy Spirit for all believers (John 14:16-17, Acts 2:38-39), marking a shift from temporary empowerment to permanent residence. This phrase also typologically points to Jesus Christ, who was anointed with the Spirit without measure (John 3:34) and promised the Spirit's continual presence to His followers.

1. David
The author of Psalm 51, King David wrote this psalm as a heartfelt plea for mercy and forgiveness after his sin with Bathsheba. It reflects his deep repentance and desire for restoration with God.

2. Bathsheba
The woman with whom David committed adultery, leading to a series of sins including the murder of her husband, Uriah. This event is the backdrop for David's repentance in Psalm 51.

3. Nathan the Prophet
The prophet who confronted David about his sin, prompting David's repentance and the writing of Psalm 51.

4. Jerusalem
The city where David reigned as king and where these events took place.

5. The Holy Spirit
In the Old Testament context, the Spirit of God who empowered individuals for specific tasks and roles. David's plea reflects his fear of losing this divine empowerment and presence.The Importance of God's Presence
David's plea underscores the vital importance of remaining in God's presence. As believers, we should prioritize our relationship with God above all else.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit empowered individuals for specific tasks. Today, the Holy Spirit indwells believers, guiding and empowering us for daily living.

Repentance and Restoration
David's example teaches us the importance of genuine repentance. When we sin, we must turn back to God, seeking His forgiveness and restoration.

Fear of Spiritual Loss
David's fear of losing the Holy Spirit should remind us of the seriousness of sin and the need to maintain a close walk with God.

God's Faithfulness
Despite our failures, God is faithful to forgive and restore us when we come to Him with a contrite heart.(11) Cast me not away.--This phrase is used of the formal rejection of Israel by the God of the covenant (2Kings 13:23; 2Kings 17:20; 2Kings 24:20; Jeremiah 7:15). Its use here not only confirms the explanation of the notes above, but makes in favour of understanding the whole psalm of the community.

Take not thy holy spirit.--Commentators have discussed whether this means the spirit of office given to the king on his anointing (1Samuel 16:13), or of grace, and Calvinists and Lutherans have made the text a battle-ground of controversy. Plainly, as the parallelism shows, the petition is equivalent to a prayer against rejection from the Divine favour, and is not to be pressed into any doctrinal discussion. . . .

Verse 11. - Cast me not away from thy presence. To he "cast away from God's presence" is to be altogether cast out of his covenant, made an alien from him, deprived of his favour and the light of his countenance (see Genesis 4:14; 2 Kings 13:23). The psalmist deprecates so terrible a punishment, although he feels that he has deserved it. And take not thy Holy Spirit from me. God's Holy Spirit had been poured upon David when he was first anointed by Samuel to the kingly office (1 Samuel 16:13). His great sins had undoubtedly "grieved" and vexed the Spirit; and, had they been continued or not repented of, would have caused him to withdraw himself; but they had not "wholly quenched the Spirit" (1 Thessalonians 5:19). David was therefore able to pray, as he does, that the Holy Spirit of God might still be vouchsafed to him, and not be "taken away," as from one wholly unworthy.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Cast me not away
תַּשְׁלִיכֵ֥נִי (taš·lî·ḵê·nî)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 7993: To throw out, down, away

from
מִמֶּֽנִּי׃ (mim·men·nî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

Your presence;
מִלְּפָנֶ֑יךָ (mil·lə·p̄ā·ne·ḵā)
Preposition-m, Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6440: The face

take
תִּקַּ֥ח (tiq·qaḥ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3947: To take

not
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

Your Holy
קָ֝דְשְׁךָ֗ (qāḏ·šə·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6944: A sacred place, thing, sanctity

Spirit from me.
וְר֥וּחַ (wə·rū·aḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit


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OT Poetry: Psalm 51:11 Don't throw me from your presence (Psalm Ps Psa.)