Restore to me the joy of Your salvation
This phrase reflects a plea for the renewal of spiritual joy and assurance of salvation. The context is King David's repentance after his sin with Bathsheba, highlighting the deep sorrow and loss of joy that sin brings. The "joy of Your salvation" refers to the profound happiness and peace that comes from being in right relationship with God. This joy is not merely emotional but is rooted in the assurance of God's saving grace. The concept of restoration implies that this joy was once present but has been diminished due to sin. Biblically, joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), and its restoration is a sign of spiritual renewal. Theologically, this request underscores the belief that salvation is a work of God, not man, and that true joy is found in God's presence (Psalm 16:11).

and sustain me with a willing spirit
The request for sustenance with a "willing spirit" indicates a desire for ongoing spiritual strength and a heart inclined towards obedience. The term "willing spirit" suggests a readiness and eagerness to follow God's will, contrasting with the stubbornness or rebellion that leads to sin. This phrase implies a dependence on God for the ability to maintain a faithful and obedient life. In the broader biblical narrative, a willing spirit is essential for true worship and service to God (Psalm 110:3). Theologically, this reflects the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live according to God's purposes (Philippians 2:13). The sustaining power of God is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing that human strength is insufficient without divine support (Isaiah 40:31).

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

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 this psalm.

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

5. God's Salvation
The central theme of the psalm, emphasizing the need for divine intervention and restoration in the life of a believer.The Joy of Salvation
Salvation is not just a one-time event but a continual source of joy and strength for believers. David's plea for restored joy highlights the importance of maintaining a vibrant relationship with God.

The Role of Repentance
True repentance involves acknowledging sin, seeking God's forgiveness, and desiring a renewed spirit. David's example teaches us the importance of coming before God with a contrite heart.

Sustaining Grace
A willing spirit is essential for living a life pleasing to God. We must rely on God's grace to sustain us in our walk with Him, just as David sought divine help to maintain a willing spirit.

The Impact of Sin
Sin disrupts our fellowship with God and steals our joy. Recognizing the impact of sin should drive us to seek restoration and healing through God's mercy.

The Power of Prayer
David's prayer in Psalm 51 serves as a model for us. We are encouraged to approach God with honesty and humility, trusting in His ability to restore and renew.(12) Joy of thy salvation.--This again points to a sense of restoration of covenant privileges.

Thy free spirit.--Rather, with a willing spirit. Or we may render, a willing spirit shall support me.

Verse 12. - Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation. Give me back that "joy" which was mine when I was conscious of thy favour, and felt that thou wert my Strength and my Salvation (Psalm 18:1; Psalm 62:2, etc.). And uphold me with thy free spirit. There is no "thy" in the original; and it is his own spirit, not God's Spirit, of which the psalmist here speaks. "Uphold me," he says, "preserve me from falling, by giving me a 'free,' or 'generous,' or 'noble' spirit - the opposite of that 'spirit of bondage' which the apostle says that Christians do not receive" (Romans 8:15).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Restore
הָשִׁ֣יבָה (hā·šî·ḇāh)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

to me
לִּ֭י (lî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

the joy
שְׂשׂ֣וֹן (śə·śō·wn)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8342: Cheerfulness, welcome

of Your salvation,
יִשְׁעֶ֑ךָ (yiš·‘e·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3468: Deliverance, rescue, salvation, safety, welfare

and sustain me
תִסְמְכֵֽנִי׃ (ṯis·mə·ḵê·nî)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 5564: To prop, to lean upon, take hold of

with a willing
נְדִיבָ֣ה (nə·ḏî·ḇāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5081: Voluntary, generous, magnanimous, a grandee

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


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OT Poetry: Psalm 51:12 Restore to me the joy of your (Psalm Ps Psa.)