et’s continue the story of David, Bathsheba, and David’s
family, introduced in Chapter 6. David committed adultery
with Bathsheba, had her husband murdered, and raised sons
who committed rape and murder and rebelled against the family.
The story continues in Psalm 51, where David admits his shameful
deeds and acknowledges that although Bathsheba, her husband, and
his family were his direct victims, he has also sinned against God.
He has hurt others but must answer to God because he has rebelled
against His laws and ways of living. Because David is accountable to
God, he admits his sins to Him, accepts his punishment, asks for
forgiveness, and offers penance.