Ask the Rabbi - General
A Pure Heart Create for Me, O God
Question
Can you explain this phrase?
What does it mean?
In what context was it said?
Answer
Greetings and blessings,
This verse is from Chapter 51 of Psalms, where David requests forgiveness from Hashem for the sin involving Bathsheba.
The meaning of the verse is that he wishes for his heart to be transformed and purified, just as it was before the sin. The explanation given by the Radak on Psalms 51:12 is: (12) A pure heart create for me, O God, for my intentions are good from now on, and assist me in this and support my heart and spirit to be pure and right, so that the evil inclination does not rule over me any longer, in the manner stated in Shabbat 40a: one who comes to purify themselves is assisted. This is the creation and renewal.
With blessings,
Benjamin Shmueli
