To the director.[278] A song of David[279] telling about the time Nathan the prophet came to him after David's sin with Bathsheba.
<1> God, be merciful to me
because of your faithful love.
Because of your great compassion,
erase all the wrongs I have done.
<2> Scrub away my guilt.
Wash me clean from my sin.
<3> I know I have done wrong.
I remember that sin all the time.
<4> I did what you said is wrong.
You are the one I have sinned against.
I say this so that people will know
that I am wrong, and you are right.
Your decisions are fair.
<5> I was born in sin.
In sin my mother conceived me.
<6> You want me to be truly loyal,
so put true wisdom deep inside of me.
<7> Remove my sin and make me pure.[280]
Wash me until I am whiter than snow!
<8> Let me hear sounds of joy and happiness again.
Let the bones you crushed be happy again.
<9> Don't look at my sins.
Erase them all.
<10> God, create a pure heart in me,
and make my spirit strong again.
<11> Don't push me away
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
<12> Your help made me so happy.
Give me that joy again.
Make my spirit strong
and ready to obey you.
<13> I will teach the guilty how you want them to live,
and the sinners will come back to you.
<14> God, spare me from the punishment of death.[281]
My God, you are the one who saves me!
Let me sing about all the good things you do for me!
<15> My Master, I will open my mouth
and sing your praises!
<16> You don't really want sacrifices,[282]
or else I would give them to you.
<17> The sacrifice that God wants is a humble spirit.
God, you will not turn away
someone who comes with a humble heart
and is willing to obey you.[283]
<18> God, please be good to Zion.[284]
Rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
<19> Then you can enjoy the kind of sacrifices you want.[285]
You will receive whole burnt offerings,[286]
and people will again offer bulls on your altar.
© Copyright 2004 World Bible Translation Center.