"Have mercy upon me, O God, according to your loving-kindness, according to the multitude of your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me." Ps. 51:1-3; NKJ

In all 26 verses of Psalm 136, the author repeats the phrase "His mercy endureth forever." Pleading for God's justice would be hazardous to one's health. Nathan the prophet had courageously confronted David regarding his affair with Bathsheba and the killing of her husband Uriah. As terrible as his deeds were, he knew his greater crime was against the Lord. In contrition and repentance he acknowledged his sins and wisely threw himself upon the mercy of God. God's holiness dictates that He must judge sin, while His love compels Him to show mercy. "He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy." Prov.28:13; NKJ