Cleansed by the Blood
Psalm 51:1–19
Blot out my transgressions. Psalm 51:1

“Blot out” refers to removing writing from a book, perhaps removing an indictment. Here is an illustration. There are certain ancient Bible manuscripts called palimpsests. They are pieces of papyrus (or some other ancient book material) that at one time contained a different text. But because this text was no longer needed and the material on which it was written was expensive, someone rubbed out the old writing, turned the sheet sideways, and wrote new words. This is what David wanted and what we all desperately need. The books of our lives have been written upon with many sins, and these stand as a terrible indictment against us. Unless something is done, they are going to be read out against us at the last day. But God can and will do something, if we ask him. God will rub out the ancient writing, turn the pages sideways, and write over the newly prepared surface the message of his everlasting compassion through the work of Jesus Christ.

This is not possible without great cost, of course. This is taught in the four words that begin verse 7, words that I think are the most important in the entire psalm: “Cleanse me with hyssop” (NIV).

Because of its shape and structure, hyssop was used as a small brush. In the ceremonies of the temple it was used to sprinkle blood. The author of Hebrews indicates that hyssop was used in the enacting of the covenant in Moses’s day: “When Moses had proclaimed every commandment of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves, together with water, scarlet wool and branches of hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll and all the people. He said, ‘This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep.’ In the same way, he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle and everything used in its ceremonies. In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Heb. 9:19–22 NIV).

David understood this and when he asked God to cleanse him with hyssop, he meant, “cleanse me by the blood. Forgive me and regard me as cleansed on the basis of the innocent victim that has died.”

That is how we must come to God too. We need forgiveness badly. But “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” It is only on the basis of the shed blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, that we may find God’s mercy. Have you found mercy? Your sin may be as great as David’s, even greater. But however great it is, you will find God to be wonderfully merciful if you will come to him as David did.

Taken from Come to the Waters by James Boice ISBN 9798887790954 used with permission from P&R Publishing, Phillipsburg NJ 08865

Scripture quotations are from the ESV (the Holy Bible English Standard Version) copyright 2001 by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.