Psalms 51:8

“Make me to hear joy and gladness, etc.] Which he had not heard for some time; sin had sadly broke in upon and interrupted his spiritual peace and joy; for though the love and favour of God cannot be lost, yet his sensible presence, which puts joy and gladness into the heart, may; and though an interest in Christ ever continues, and union to him is always the same; yet a view of interest in him, which fills with joy unspeakable and full of glory, and communion with him, may not be had for a time: and though justification by his righteousness, from whence flows much peace, is an invariable blessing; yet the comfortable perception of it may be taken away: and though salvation by Christ is a…”

“Make . . . joy--by forgiving me, which will change distress to joy.”

“Make me to hear joy and gladness - That is, the voice of forgiveness, causing joy and rejoicing. What he wished to hear was the kind voice of God in pronouncing his pardon; not the voice of anger and condemnation. God now condemned him. The law condemned him. His own conscience condemned him. The result was anguish and sorrow. The burden was great and overpowering - such as to crush him; to break all his “bones.” He longed to hear the sweet voice of forgiveness, by which he might have peace, and by which his soul might be made to rejoice. Compare the notes at Psalms 32:1-2. That the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice - That is, which have been crushed or broken by the weight of sin.…”

“Joy - By thy spirit, seal the pardon of my sins on my conscience, which will fill me with joy. Rejoice - That my heart which hath been sorely wounded may be comforted. Psalms 51:10”

“51:8 Regaining joy is a gracious gift from God. • you have broken me: The psalmist’s whole being feels broken (6:2; cp. 34:20).”

“Make: Psa 13:5, Psa 30:11, Psa 119:81, Psa 119:82, Psa 126:5, Psa 126:6; Mat 5:4 bones: Psa 6:2, Psa 6:3, Psa 38:3; Job 5:17, Job 5:18; Isa 57:15-18; Hos 6:1, Hos 6:2; Luk 4:18; Act 2:37-41, Act 16:29-34 Psalms 51:9”