For thy name’s sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.
David uttered this prayer after grievous sin as an expression of godly sorrow. He asked pardon for the sake of the divine name while openly acknowledging that his iniquity was great. His request aimed at the removal of the very cause of divine displeasure, springing from a true perception of what sin is in its own character. This stands apart from a sorrow that merely regrets the painful consequences that follow wrongdoing. The verse also discloses divine greatness, and Psalms 24 and 50 are to be read alongside it to learn that greatness.
David uttered this prayer after grievous sin as an expression of godly sorrow. He asked pardon for the sake of the divine name while openly acknowledging that his iniquity was great. His request aimed at the removal of the very cause of divine displeasure, springing from a true perception of what sin is in its own character. This stands apart from a sorrow that merely regrets the painful consequences that follow wrongdoing. The verse also discloses divine greatness, and Psalms 24 and 50 are to be read alongside it to learn that greatness.