he shall see God's salvation, both in the narrower sense of daily interpositions for deliverance, and in the wider of a full and final rescue from all evil and endowment with all good. The psalm has as keen an edge for modern as for ancient sins. Superstitious reliance on externals of worship survives, though sacrifices have ceased; and hypocrites, with their mouths full of the Gospel, still cast God's words behind them, as did those ancient hollow-hearted proclaimers and breakers of the Law. PSALM LI. 1 Be gracious to me, O God, according to Thy loving-kindness: According to the greatness of Thy compassions blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And from my sin make me clean. 3 For I, I know my transgressions: And my sin is before me continually. 4 Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned, And done what is evil in Thine eyes: That Thou mightest appear righteous when Thou speakest, And clear when Thou judgest. 5 Behold, in iniquity was I born; And in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward parts: Therefore in the hidden part make me to know wisdom. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; That the bones Thou hast crushed may exult. 9 Hide Thy face from my sins, and all my iniquities blot out. 10 A clean heart create for me, O God; And a steadfast spirit renew within me. 11 Cast me not out from Thy presence; And Thy holy spirit take not from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation: And with a willing spirit uphold me. 13 [Then] will I teach transgressors Thy ways; And sinners shall return to Thee. 14 Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation; And my tongue shall joyfully sing Thy righteousness. 15 Lord, open my lips; And my mouth shall declare Thy praise. 16 For Thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: In burnt offering Thou hast no pleasure. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: A heart broken and crushed, O God, Thou wilt not despise. 18 Do good in Thy good pleasure to Zion: O build the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then shalt Thou delight in sacrifices of righteousness, burnt offering and whole burnt offering: Then shall they offer bullocks on Thine altar.