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I. THE PRAYER FOR PARDON. The Psalm is an appeal for Divine guidance amidst the perplexity of life. But the author is driven to think of his unworthiness to receive it because of past perverseness. Are we not all thus placed? The reason why many are lost in the mazes of doubt is because they have not humbled themselves to penitence.

II. THE GROUNDS OF THE PRAYER FOR PARDON.

1. God's faithfulness. The "name" God is used constantly as synonymous with His character. Forgiveness is a Divine disposition as well as an act. God is acting in accordance with His own nature in listening to this prayer. The words not only suggest God's character, but His word. "For Thy name's sake" means for Thy honour, who hast pledged Thy word.

2. The suppliant's need. "For it is great." This is an argument that needs no mastering. For who cannot expatiate on his needs! Rejoice in the knowledge that the very thing which dismays thee, O sinner, — the greatness of thy offence, — may be used as a reason why God should forgive thee. At the door of our good and bountiful Lord the plea of utter destitution will ensure relief. The wretchedness of thy crushed condition beneath a mountain load of guilt will stir the Divine compassion.

(Walter Hawkins.)

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KJV: For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.

WEB: For your name's sake, Yahweh, pardon my iniquity, for it is great.