Explore the Bible Online

Psalms 51:18

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.

Psalms 51:18 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Psalms 51:18

Theological / Devotional

Unto Zion. David prays that God’s displeasure may not rest upon Zion (see on Ps. 48:2), the city of his heart, because of his sin. It is a characteristic of the psalmist to include his people in his prayer (see Ps. 25:22 ; 28:9). David probably added vs. 18, 19 to make this intensely personal penitential prayer suitable for public worship.

Build thou the walls. David prayed that nothing might interfere with the continued development of the fortifications of the sacred city (see 2 Sam. 5:9; 1 Kings 3:1 ; 9:15, 16). Figuratively, the phrase may refer to God’s favor and blessing.

By SdaBc