- To what historical event in David’s biography does Psalms 51:2 refer?
- Why is David (presumably the Psalmist is subject in this particular passage) asking for mercy and “erasure of transgression”?
- Does Psalms 51 in any way reflect any “defense” on the part of David?
- Why is there a reference to “my mother” in Psalms 51:7?
- What is the request that is set down in Psalms 51:9-10?
- In Psalms 51:11 there is a reference to “hastarat panim”, usually understood in the sense of the Divine withdrawing Its protection; how, however, is it reflected in this particular verse?
- Psalms 51:13 appears in the High Holy Day liturgy; why would it be particularly appropriate at that time?
- Where does Psalms 51:17 appear in the daily tefillot throughout the year?
- Psalms 51:18-19 indicate “what it is that God wants”, and what would that be?
- Do Psalms 51:20-21 seem to be a logical sequitur of the Psalm?
