Psa 51:11-12 | JFB | e4.org | 7-12. A series of prayers for forgiveness and purifying. Purge . . . hyssop —The use of this plant in the ritual ( ) suggests the idea of atonement as prominent here; "purge" refers to vicarious satisfaction ( ).

‏ Psalms 51:11-12

7-12. A series of prayers for forgiveness and purifying.

Purge . . . hyssop—The use of this plant in the ritual (Ex 12:22; Nu 19:6, 18) suggests the idea of atonement as prominent here; "purge" refers to vicarious satisfaction (Nu 19:17-20).

12. free spirit—"thy" ought not to be supplied, for the word "free" is, literally, "willing," and "spirit" is that of David. "Let a willing spirit uphold me," that is, with a soul willingly conformed to God's law, he would be preserved in a right course of conduct.