As we consider David's declining spiritual state near the close of his life (II Samuel 11-12), we might find it difficult to accept God's statement in I Samuel 13, that David was "a man after God's own heart." But the phrase, "a man after God's own heart" modifies God rather than David's carnal character. God chose David because He alone discerned a heart He could work with as contrasted to Saul, the people's choice. In Psalm 50, Almighty God offers the sinner a choice of either having his sins and consequences set down before him or the choice of repenting and become redeemed. In Psalm 51, David begs for mercy, cleansing, and forgiveness, acknowledging that his sin displays rebellion, offense, and failure to obey God's will. In his confession, David recognizes the magnitude of sin, as well as its harm to himself and others, but correctly understands that sin is primarily against God because it is a rebellion, offense, and violation of the will, character, and nature of Almighty God.