by Tim Hall

David's prayer for forgiveness in Psalm 51 is powerful. The sins he had committed were serious and totally out of character for a man after God's own heart. Following his rebuke by the prophet Nathan, David acknowledged his sins and cried out to God for mercy.

One statement in David's psalm is curious: "Make me to hear joy and gladness, that the bones which you have broken may rejoice" (Psalm 51:8, NKJV). Is that right? Did God really break David's bones? Or was David complaining that his punishment was more than he deserved?

Most will quickly recognize David's statement as figurative. There is no indication that he actually suffered broken bones as a result of his transgression with Bathsheba. Yet such a strong figure of speech indicates that David felt great pain and limitations, wounds that he attributed to God. Why would David make such a claim?

Hosea used a similar idea in condemning the sins of Israel and Judah. Speaking on behalf of God he said, "Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets, I have slain them by the words of my mouth ...." (Hosea 6:5). In this case, God (through Hosea) took responsibility for the wounds suffered by his people. "Hewn" and "slain" are graphic words that bear no trace of mildness. Israel would have understood David's imagery of broken bones.

What kind of God would do such a thing to his people? Would a loving father inflict such suffering on his children? Yes, in fact, he would.

Consider the larger picture presented in Hosea: "Come, and let us return to the Lord; for he has torn, but he will heal us; he has stricken, but he will bind us up. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live in his sight" (Hosea 6:1,2). Viewed in the larger context, the actions of God are merciful. He tore and struck his people, but was ready to heal and bind up. He did it all "that we may live in his sight."

Good parents understand the principle. Pain, though unpleasant, is useful in turning a stubborn child from his destructive behavior. The pain is meted out from a loving heart that wants nothing but the best for that child. Viewed only in the immediate situation, the parent's love is questionable. Considered from the larger perspective, compassionate love becomes obvious.

Here's another statement of the same principle: "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful" (Proverbs 27:6). Another translation opens our understanding further: "Wounds made by a friend are intended to help ..." (God's Word Translation) At the moment, we don't understand why our friend hurt us. Later, their love is seen clearly; they risked our friendship for our good.

Will God break my bones? I don't want it to happen, for I know it will be a painful ordeal. But if that's what it will take to keep me from departing from his side, then may he strike me while there is still hope!