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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 51:18 In Your good pleasure, cause Zion to prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/51-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/19_Psa_051_018.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 51:18 - Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="In Your good pleasure, cause Zion to prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/51.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Do good to Zion in your good pleasure; build up the walls of Jerusalem;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/51.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />In Your good pleasure, cause Zion to prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/51.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/51.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion; Build the walls of Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/51.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />By Your favor do good to Zion; Build the walls of Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/51.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />By Your favor do good to Zion; Build the walls of Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/51.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />By Thy favor do good to Zion; Build the walls of Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/51.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />By Your favor do good to Zion; Build the walls of Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/51.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />By Your favor do good to Zion; May You rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/51.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />In your good pleasure, cause Zion to prosper; build the walls of Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/51.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />In Your good pleasure, cause Zion to prosper; build the walls of Jerusalem. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/51.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: Build thou the walls of Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/51.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Please be willing, Lord, to help the city of Zion and to rebuild its walls. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/51.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/51.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Favor Zion with your goodness. Rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/51.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />O God, be kind to Zion and help her; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/51.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Show favor to Zion in your good pleasure; and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/51.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />In Your good pleasure, cause Zion to prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/51.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Because you favor Zion, do what is good for her! Fortify the walls of Jerusalem! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/51.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Do well in your good pleasure to Zion. Build the walls of Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/51.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Do good in thy good pleasure to Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/51.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Do well in your good pleasure to Zion. Build the walls of Jerusalem. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/51.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Do good in Your good pleasure with Zion, "" You build the walls of Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/51.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Do good in Thy good pleasure with Zion, Thou dost build the walls of Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/51.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Do Zion good in thy good will: thou wilt build the walls of Jerusalem.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/51.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Deal favourably, O Lord, in thy good will with Sion; that the walls of Jerusalem may be built up. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/51.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 50:20>Act kindly, Lord, in your good will toward Zion, so that the walls of Jerusalem may be built up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/51.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Treat Zion kindly according to your good will; build up the walls of Jerusalem. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/51.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Do good to Zion in your good pleasure; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/51.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion; build the walls of Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/51.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Do good in your pleasure to Zion and build the walls of Jerusalem.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/51.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Do good in Thy favour unto Zion; Build Thou the walls of Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/51.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Do good, O Lord, to Sion in thy good pleasure; and let the walls of Jerusalem be built.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/51-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=6166" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/51.htm">Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">17</span>The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7522.htm" title="7522: ḇir·ṣō·wn·ḵā (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 2ms) -- Goodwill, favor, acceptance, will. Or ratson; from ratsah; delight.">In Your good pleasure,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6726.htm" title="6726: ṣî·yō·wn (N-proper-fs) -- A mountain in Jer., also a name for Jer. The same as tsiyuwn; Tsijon, a mountain of Jerusalem.">cause Zion</a> <a href="/hebrew/3190.htm" title="3190: hê·ṭî·ḇāh (V-Hifil-Imp-ms:: 3fs) -- To be good, well, glad, or pleasing. A primitive root; to be make well, literally or figuratively.">to prosper;</a> <a href="/hebrew/1129.htm" title="1129: tiḇ·neh (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To build. A primitive root; to build.">build up</a> <a href="/hebrew/2346.htm" title="2346: ḥō·w·mō·wṯ (N-fpc) -- A wall. Feminine active participle of an unused root apparently meaning to join; a wall of protection.">the walls</a> <a href="/hebrew/3389.htm" title="3389: yə·rū·šā·lim (N-proper-fs) -- Probably foundation of peace, capital city of all Isr. ">of Jerusalem.</a> </span><span class="reftext">19</span>Then You will delight in righteous sacrifices, in whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on Your altar.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/1-3.htm">Nehemiah 1:3-4</a></span><br />And they told me, “The remnant who survived the exile are there in the province, in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” / When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/58-12.htm">Isaiah 58:12</a></span><br />Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will restore the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of the Streets of Dwelling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/61-4.htm">Isaiah 61:4</a></span><br />They will rebuild the ancient ruins; they will restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/29-7.htm">Jeremiah 29:7</a></span><br />Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you as exiles. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/33-7.htm">Jeremiah 33:7</a></span><br />I will restore Judah and Israel from captivity and will rebuild them as in former times.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/9-11.htm">Amos 9:11</a></span><br />“In that day I will restore the fallen tent of David. I will repair its gaps, restore its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days of old,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/14-7.htm">2 Chronicles 14:7</a></span><br />So he said to the people of Judah, “Let us build these cities and surround them with walls and towers, with doors and bars. The land is still ours because we have sought the LORD our God. We have sought Him, and He has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/33-14.htm">2 Chronicles 33:14</a></span><br />After this, Manasseh rebuilt the outer wall of the City of David from west of Gihon in the valley to the entrance of the Fish Gate, and he brought it around the hill of Ophel and heightened it considerably. He also stationed military commanders in all the fortified cities of Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezra/4-12.htm">Ezra 4:12</a></span><br />Let it be known to the king that the Jews who came from you to us have returned to Jerusalem and are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city. They are restoring its walls and repairing its foundations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/9-16.htm">Daniel 9:16</a></span><br />O Lord, in keeping with all Your righteous acts, I pray that Your anger and wrath may turn away from Your city Jerusalem, Your holy mountain; for because of our sins and the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and Your people are a reproach to all around us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">Matthew 5:14</a></span><br />You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-37.htm">Matthew 23:37</a></span><br />O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/19-41.htm">Luke 19:41-44</a></span><br />As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it / and said, “If only you had known on this day what would bring you peace! But now it is hidden from your eyes. / For the days will come upon you when your enemies will barricade you and surround you and hem you in on every side. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/4-21.htm">John 4:21</a></span><br />“Believe Me, woman,” Jesus replied, “a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/1-8.htm">Acts 1:8</a></span><br />But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Do good in your good pleasure to Zion: build you the walls of Jerusalem.</p><p class="hdg">Do</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/25-22.htm">Psalm 25:22</a></b></br> Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/102-16.htm">Psalm 102:16</a></b></br> When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/122-6.htm">Psalm 122:6-9</a></b></br> Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee… </p><p class="hdg">thy</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/12-32.htm">Luke 12:32</a></b></br> Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/1-5.htm">Ephesians 1:5,9</a></b></br> Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/philippians/2-13.htm">Philippians 2:13</a></b></br> For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of <i>his</i> good pleasure.</p><p class="hdg">build</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/2-17.htm">Nehemiah 2:17</a></b></br> Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we <i>are</i> in, how Jerusalem <i>lieth</i> waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/58-12.htm">Isaiah 58:12</a></b></br> And <i>they that shall be</i> of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/9-25.htm">Daniel 9:25</a></b></br> Know therefore and understand, <i>that</i> from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince <i>shall be</i> seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/28-5.htm">Build</a> <a href="/job/12-14.htm">Building</a> <a href="/psalms/45-12.htm">Favor</a> <a href="/psalms/45-12.htm">Favour</a> <a href="/psalms/45-4.htm">Good</a> <a href="/esther/2-6.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/psalms/51-16.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/psalms/49-18.htm">Prosper</a> <a href="/job/12-14.htm">Rebuild</a> <a href="/psalms/48-13.htm">Walls</a> <a href="/psalms/50-2.htm">Zion</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/69-35.htm">Build</a> <a href="/psalms/118-22.htm">Building</a> <a href="/psalms/69-13.htm">Favor</a> <a href="/psalms/59-5.htm">Favour</a> <a href="/psalms/52-3.htm">Good</a> <a href="/psalms/68-29.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/psalms/62-4.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/psalms/73-12.htm">Prosper</a> <a href="/psalms/69-35.htm">Rebuild</a> <a href="/psalms/55-10.htm">Walls</a> <a href="/psalms/53-6.htm">Zion</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 51</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/51-1.htm">David prays for remission of sins, whereof he makes a deep confession</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/51-6.htm">He prays for sanctification</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/51-16.htm">God delights not in sacrifice, but in sincerity</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/51-18.htm">He prays for the church</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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It reflects the belief that God's will is ultimately for the good of His people. The concept of God's pleasure is seen throughout Scripture, such as in <a href="/ephesians/1-5.htm">Ephesians 1:5</a>, where God's will is described as being according to His good pleasure. This aligns with the understanding that God's plans are perfect and are executed in His timing and manner.<p><b>cause Zion to prosper</b><br>Zion is often used as a synonym for Jerusalem, but it also represents the spiritual center of God's people. The prosperity of Zion is a recurring theme in the Bible, symbolizing not just material wealth but spiritual flourishing and divine favor. <a href="/isaiah/62.htm">Isaiah 62:1</a> speaks of Zion's righteousness shining forth, indicating a holistic prosperity that includes justice and peace. This request for prosperity is a plea for God's blessing and presence among His people.<p><b>build up the walls of Jerusalem</b><br>The walls of Jerusalem were crucial for the city's defense and symbolized strength and security. Historically, the walls were rebuilt under Nehemiah's leadership after the Babylonian exile, as recorded in the book of Nehemiah. This rebuilding was not just a physical restoration but also a spiritual renewal for the people of Israel. The walls also represent God's protection and the establishment of His kingdom. In a prophetic sense, the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls can be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate protector and restorer of His people, as seen in <a href="/ephesians/2-14.htm">Ephesians 2:14</a>, where Christ is described as our peace, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/51.htm">Psalm 51</a>, King David wrote this psalm as a prayer of repentance after his sin with Bathsheba. It reflects his deep desire for God's mercy and restoration.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/z/zion.htm">Zion</a></b><br>Often used as a synonym for Jerusalem, Zion represents the spiritual and physical center of God's people, symbolizing God's dwelling place and His chosen city.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The capital city of Israel, Jerusalem holds significant religious and historical importance as the site of the Temple and the center of Jewish worship.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_walls_of_jerusalem.htm">The Walls of Jerusalem</a></b><br>Symbolic of protection and strength, the walls represent the security and stability of God's people, both physically and spiritually.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/g/god's_good_pleasure.htm">God's Good Pleasure</a></b><br>Refers to God's will and desire to bless and prosper His people according to His divine purpose and plan.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_intercession.htm">The Importance of Intercession</a></b><br>David's prayer for Zion teaches us the value of interceding for our communities and nations, seeking God's favor and protection.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_restoration.htm">Spiritual Restoration</a></b><br>Just as David prayed for the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem, we should seek spiritual restoration and renewal in our lives and communities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereign_will.htm">God's Sovereign Will</a></b><br>Recognize that true prosperity and security come from aligning with God's good pleasure and divine will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_unity.htm">Community and Unity</a></b><br>The walls of Jerusalem symbolize the importance of unity and strength within the body of Christ, encouraging us to build up and support one another.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_in_god's_promises.htm">Hope in God's Promises</a></b><br>Trust in God's promises for restoration and prosperity, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill His word in His perfect timing.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_51.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 51</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_psalm_126's_restoration.htm">Is there any archaeological or textual evidence confirming the miraculous restoration claimed in Psalm 126, beyond interpreted metaphor or tradition?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_psalm_144's_prosperity_match_david's_era.htm">How does the prosperity promised in Psalm 144:12-14 align with available historical and archaeological evidence about David's reign?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_proof_of_judgment_in_psalm_125_5.htm">In Psalm 125:5, is there historical or archaeological proof of a specific judgment that differentiates the fate of the righteous from the 'evildoers' mentioned?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_trust_ps_61_3-4's_'refuge'_without_proof.htm">What evidence supports the psalmist's confidence (Ps 61:3-4) in a physical 'refuge' or 'tower' when no solid archaeological proof exists?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/51.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(18) <span class= "bld">Do good.</span>--The last two verses have occasioned much controversy. They do not fit in well with the theory of Davidic authorship, Theodoret long ago saying that they better suited the exiles in Babylon. They seem at first sight to contradict what has just been asserted of sacrifice. On both grounds they have been regarded as a liturgical addition, such as doubtless the compiler made, without any sense of infringement of the rights of authorship. On the other hand, it is not only these two verses which harmonise with the feelings of the restored exiles, but the whole psalm, and the contradiction in regard to the worth of sacrifices is only apparent. While vindicating spiritual religion, the psalmist no more abrogates ceremonies than the prophets do. As soon as their performance is possible they will be resumed.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/51.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 18, 19.</span> - That this is an addition made to the original psalm, during the time of the Babylonian exile, or later, for liturgical purposes, has been maintained by a large number of the commentators who ascribe the rest of the psalm to David. The chief ground for the supposition is the prayer in ver. 18, "Build thou the walls of Jerusalem," which has been supposed to imply that the walls were in ruins, whereas under David they should have been, it is thought, in good condition. But it has been pointed out, very justly, that the fortifications of Jerusalem were not complete in David's time, and that both he and Solomon added considerably to them (<a href="/2_samuel/5-9.htm">2 Samuel 5:9</a>; <a href="/1_kings/3-1.htm">1 Kings 3:1</a>; <a href="/1_kings/9-15.htm">1 Kings 9:15, 19</a>). David may well have thought that, as a punishment for his sin, God might interfere with the work which he was doing for the benefit of his people, and hence have felt it needful to pray, "Do good unto Zion: build thou the wails of Jerusalem." <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 18.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion</span>. It is characteristic of David to pass from prayer for himself to prayer for the people committed to him, and especially to do so at or near the end of a psalm (see <a href="/psalms/5-11.htm">Psalm 5:11, 12</a>; <a href="/psalms/25-22.htm">Psalm 25:22</a>; <a href="/psalms/28-9.htm">Psalm 28:9</a>; <a href="/psalms/40-16.htm">Psalm 40:16</a>). And he closely connects - nay, identifies - the people with their capital city (see <a href="/psalms/46-4.htm">Psalm 46:4</a>; <a href="/psalms/48-11.htm">Psalm 48:11</a>: 69:35, etc.). <span class="cmt_word">Build thou the walls of Jerusalem.</span> Josephus says that David encompassed the whole city of Jerusalem with walls ('Ant. Jud.,' 7:3, § 2); and we are told, in the Second Book of Samuel, that he "built round about from Mille and inward." It has been argued that his walls were just approaching their completion at the time of his great sin (<span class="accented">Christian Observer</span>, No. 333). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/51-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">In Your good pleasure,</span><br /><span class="heb">בִ֭רְצוֹנְךָ</span> <span class="translit">(ḇir·ṣō·wn·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7522.htm">Strong's 7522: </a> </span><span class="str2">Goodwill, favor, acceptance, will</span><br /><br /><span class="word">cause Zion</span><br /><span class="heb">צִיּ֑וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(ṣî·yō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6726.htm">Strong's 6726: </a> </span><span class="str2">Zion -- a mountain in Jerusalem, also a name for Jerusalem</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to prosper;</span><br /><span class="heb">הֵיטִ֣יבָה</span> <span class="translit">(hê·ṭî·ḇāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3190.htm">Strong's 3190: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be good, well, glad, or pleasing</span><br /><br /><span class="word">build up</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּ֝בְנֶ֗ה</span> <span class="translit">(tiḇ·neh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1129.htm">Strong's 1129: </a> </span><span class="str2">To build</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the walls</span><br /><span class="heb">חוֹמ֥וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(ḥō·w·mō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2346.htm">Strong's 2346: </a> </span><span class="str2">A wall of protection</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Jerusalem.</span><br /><span class="heb">יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(yə·rū·šā·lim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3389.htm">Strong's 3389: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/51-18.htm">Psalm 51:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/51-18.htm">Psalm 51:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/51-18.htm">Psalm 51:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/51-18.htm">Psalm 51:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/51-18.htm">Psalm 51:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/51-18.htm">Psalm 51:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/51-18.htm">Psalm 51:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/51-18.htm">Psalm 51:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/51-18.htm">Psalm 51:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/51-18.htm">Psalm 51:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/51-18.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 51:18 Do well in your good pleasure (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/51-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 51:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 51:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/51-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 51:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 51:19" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>