Bible Strands
Psalms 51:18
In Your good pleasure, cause Zion to prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The psalmist addresses God directly in the immediate aftermath of personal confession, shifting focus from individual penitence to the collective restoration of God's people. The prayer occurs at the hinge between a declaration of contrite sacrifice and a promise of accepted worship.
The words — The verb הֵיטִיבָה (heiṭîḇâ) literally means "do good to" or "prosper," while בִּרְצוֹנֶךָ (birtṣôneka) translates to "in your good pleasure" or "favor." The imperative תִּבְנֶה (tîḇneh) means "you will build," directing the action specifically toward the walls of Jerusalem.
The thread — This petition for Zion's restoration runs parallel to Psalms 102:16, which declares the LORD will rebuild Zion, and aligns with the command to pray for Jerusalem's peace in Psalms 122:6. The dependence on divine initiative rather than human effort mirrors the principle stated in Philippians 2:13.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to pair personal repentance with active prayer for the restoration of God's community. It demands reliance on God's sovereign will to establish His people, placing institutional or physical rebuilding under His authority.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.
Cross-references
- Psalms 102:16 For the LORD will rebuild Zion; He has appeared in His glory.
- Philippians 2:13 For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.
- Psalms 122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you prosper.
- Zechariah 2:5 For I will be a wall of fire around it, declares the LORD, and I will be the glory within it.’”
- Luke 12:32 Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.
- Ephesians 1:5 He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will,
- Nehemiah 2:17 Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned down. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, so that we will no longer be a disgrace.”
- Psalms 25:22 Redeem Israel, O God, from all its distress.
- Psalms 147:2 The LORD builds up Jerusalem; He gathers the exiles of Israel.
- Isaiah 51:3 For the LORD will comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; He will make her wilderness like Eden and her desert like the garden of the LORD. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and melodious song.