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Biblical Theology Blog

2 Samuel 7:14 Question

Question:

According to the KJV, it seems that the Messiah may sin:

2 Sam 7:14: I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men.

According to the New Testament, Jesus is without sin [Heb 4:15].  What is the deal?

Response:

The issue is a translation issue.  The KJV translation has also found its way into many popular English translations, so this isnt an uncommon question.  However, when we examine the original Hebrew and LXX Greek texts, we find something much different than what the KJV suggests:





According to the LXX, the Messiah doesnt sin, but rather sin approaches the Messiah or comes to him.  This of course is consistent with the theology of the Cross.  The Messiah doesnt sin, but when sin approaches him, he endures punishment for it.  This is consistent with the idea of a suffering Messiah who endures the punishment for sin so that people (ie - sinners) may approach God.

According to the Hebrew text, the Messiah is "like a son which does wrong" - however this doesnt mean that the Messiah actually does wrong, but rather is like one who does.  This is also consistent with the theology of the Cross, meaning that Jesus is sinless but his death atones for our sin.  He is punished like a son who does wrong, but the text doesn't necessarily say that he actually does it.

Forgiveness and the Unforgivable Sin

From time to time, the issue of forgiveness comes up in class with very controversial results.  As part of a biblical theology exercise for one of my classes, I wrote this paper on the bibical theology and ethics of forgiveness found in Matthew's Gospel.

Click here to download the paper

This paper should serve as a general outline of the argument which I have presented in the past in class.  Those who would like to discuss this topic in detail are welcome to join me on this blog.

Take care! In Christ, Marty

King Solomon - The Fool

Question:


In class you mentioned that King Solomon was "the epitome of foolishness," but the Bible says that he was wise.  Can you explain?


Response:


It’s true that God grants King Solomon wisdom, but Satan does too.  So, let’s look at Solomon’s request and God’s response:

1 Kings 3:9 (My Translation):  Give your servant therefore an understanding heart to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”

 

1 Kings 3:12 (My Translation) Behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you heart of wisdom, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you.

 A lot of English translations translate the text as an “understanding mind,”  “wisdom” or “discerning mind” which is simply wrong. In fact, it’s important to see that Solomon’s request and God’s response don’t fit the conventional view of wisdom, which is some sort of an intellectual capability.  Although intellectual capability is good and a gift from God, if such capability is perverted to pursue fallen  and selfish desires then it becomes Worldly Wisdom. “This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.  For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice” [James 3:15-17].  Worldly Wisdom is antithetical to Godly Wisdom and an abomination to God.  It is a function of a depraved mind [Rom 1:28] pursuing the fallen desires of the heart [Rom 1:24]. 

 

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace” [James 3:18].  According to true Hebrew text, Solomon’s request is for a heart that can discern good from evil.  This is the essence of Godly Wisdom.  Therefore, we see that true Godly Wisdom isn’t a function of the mind, but rather a function of the heart to discern between right and wrong, enabled through the power of the Holy Spirit.  So, Solomon is essentially asking for Godly Wisdom and God does indeed grant it to him.  See James 1:5 - “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”  However, as the narrative progresses, we don’t really see Solomon using Godly Wisdom, but rather Worldly Wisdom. 

 

Like most scholars, I think that the first indication that Solomon is being led astray is when he builds his palace.  Solomon spends 7 years building the Temple [2 Kings 7:37], but 13 years building his own house [2 Kings 7:1].  His own house is far more expensive and elaborate than the Temple, suggesting a distorted sense of priorities, especially since his palace was built with “taxpayer” money (so to speak).  After he has completed building his own house, God appears a second time and delivers Solomon a stern warning in 1 Kings 9:4-9.  God warns Solomon to keep his commandments and statutes.  If he does not, God will bring disaster upon Solomon and his house, as well as the house of Israel.

 

Solomon does not heed God’s warning, but turns to foolishness.  Beginning in Chapter 11 (1 Kings), Solomon begins loving godless women, rather than the Lord.  The significance of that is that he is now listening to Worldly Wisdom and is fully neglecting Godly Wisdom.

 1 Kings 11:1-8 (ESV): Now King Solomon loved many foreign women, along with the daughter of Pharaoh: Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women, from the nations concerning which the Lord had said to the people of Israel, “You shall not enter into marriage with them, neither shall they with you, for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods.” Solomon clung to these in love. He had 700 wives, princesses, and 300 concubines. And his wives turned away his heart. For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. So Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and did not wholly follow the Lord, as David his father had done. Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites, on the mountain east of Jerusalem. And so he did for all his foreign wives, who made offerings and sacrificed to their gods.

Most interpreters point the simple fact that Solomon had strayed into idolatry, which in itself is foolishness.  However, I would like to point out a few other things.  Solomon blasphemed the marriage covenant by marrying 700 women and keeping another 300 concubines.  For doing this, most men would tell you that Solomon was very wise (in the world’s standards), but this is simply not God’s view.  In the best case, Solomon is guilty of forced sexual slavery, but I would tell you he is guilty of much worse.  Let me explain using Solomon’s own song.

Song of Solomon 8:11-12 (ESV): Solomon had a vineyard at Baal-hamon; he let out the vineyard to keepers; each one was to bring for its fruit a thousand pieces of silver.  My vineyard, my very own, is before me; you, O Solomon, may have the thousand, and the keepers of the fruit two hundred.

 In the Song of Solomon, we see that Solomon actually pimped out his wives for "a thousand pieces of silver."  The righteous Shumanite (the young woman in the Song of Solomon) will have nothing to do with Solomon, but reserves herself for her beloved only.  Solomon tries to win her into his harem [Song of Solomon 3:7-11], but she will not succumb to the temptation that Solomon presents (Solomon in all his riches, military power, royal lineage, etc.).  As we discussed in class this is demonic Worldly Wisdom at work.  Solomon is essentially acting like a the archetype of foolishness, an “adulterous” person: 

1) tempting women (with his riches, power, and royalty); and,

 

2) laying a trap by satisfying their fallen desires (greed, lust, pride, etc.); and,

 

3) capturing them (through perverse marriage covenants of all things); and,

 

4) and then sending them down to hell (let me explain).

In reference to point #4, I would like to point out that sacrifices to Chemosh and Molek were child sacrifices.  So, Solomon wasn’t just permitting this but promoting it.  In other words, he was impregnating his wives/whores who were then bearing children and sacrificing them to their false gods.  Horrific!  But, if you examine this by the World's Standards, it makes sense.  After all, by the world’s standards, who would want to take care of all these children?  Getting rid of them is awfully convenient to those that want to promote their own selfishness.  But, from God's view,  those that kill these children are being dragged down into hell.  Before we dismiss Solomon’s actions as barbaric and outdated, isn’t this the same sort of pattern we see in New York City and the crux of the abortion issue today?

 

Anyway, although given the gift from God to discern right from wrong, Solomon chooses to do the wrong thing and follows Worldly Wisdom instead.  I could go on from here, but the point is made throughout Ecclesiastes, the Song of Solomon, and Proverbs.  Solomon simply gives himself over to all his desires and becomes enslaved to them to the point of reaching a sense of godless, existential nihilism.  

Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 (ESV): I said in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy yourself.” …  I searched with my heart how to cheer my body with wine—my heart still guiding me with wisdom—and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was good for the children of man to do under heaven during the few days of their life.  I made great works. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself.  I made myself gardens and parks, and planted in them all kinds of fruit trees.  I made myself pools from which to water the forest of growing trees.  I bought male and female slaves, and had slaves who were born in my house. I had also great possessions of herds and flocks, more than any who had been before me in Jerusalem.  I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I got singers, both men and women, and many concubines, the delight of the children of man.  So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me.  And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil.  Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.

 

I do believe that Solomon does eventually repent, but the consequences of his actions destroy Israel.  Most of his children, gained through idolatry are sacrificed to false gods.  As for the remaining children, they are at war with one another as they seek to satisfy their own fallen passions.  The Nation is ripped asunder by them and given over to the idolatrous environment which Solomon has created.  So, in effect Solomon did the Worldly thing: Screwed everyone else to satisfy his own selfish and wicked desires.  Consequently, Solomon should serve us an example of Worldly Wisdom and its Foolishness, not Godly Wisdom which he forsook.  Although he knew what was right, he did not do it.

 

 In Christ, Marty

Biblical Wisdom Class Slides

Hi Class,

As promised, here are the slides for the entire Become Wise Class (Proverbs and James). 

Click here do download the slides

Take care, In Christ, Marty

The Resurrection: So You May Believe (April 9 OR 19)

Here is the syllabus and course description for this class.  Please note that if you register for Sunday April 19th, it will include a small fee for lunch.

Have you ever noticed that the Gospel accounts of our Lord’s resurrection differ from one another? Some claim that these differences are contradictory and disprove the resurrection altogether. Nothing is more dangerous for the Christian than rejecting the resurrection. Paul says it best:

"If there is no resurrection of the dead, then neither has Christ been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then empty (too) is our preaching; empty, too, your faith. Then we are also false witnesses to God, because we testified against God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, neither has Christ been raised, and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is vain; you are still in your sins. Then those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are the most pitiable people of all.” [1 Cor 15:13-19]

 

We believe that God raised Christ from the dead through the power of the Holy Spirit [Rom 8:11]. The same Holy Spirit who raised Christ from the dead also inspired the Gospel accounts of His Resurrection. Fortunately, for those who believe, the differences in the Gospel accounts help prove the reality of Christ’s resurrection. In this class, we will examine all four Resurrection accounts found in the Gospels in order to understand the historical events recorded in each of them, and then we will synthesize a harmony of the Gospels to gain a full, biblically grounded, understanding of the Resurrection narratives. Through careful exegetical work, we will be able to confidently exclaim “He has Risen!”

 

Schedule: Thursday, April 9 from 7:00PM to 9:00PM.

Location: Redeemer Offices, Main Conference Room (1359 Broadway, 4th Floor, btw. 36 & 37).

Registration will open online Saturday, January 10. Limited enrollment. There is no fee for this seminar.

Please click here to register.

If you have any questions, please contact: foundations@redeemer.com


The Resurrection: So You May Believe (April 9)
Date/Time Class Description
Apr 9 7:00PM - 9:00PM (one-time seminar) Please see the above information for details.

Location: Redeemer Church Offices (directions) Main Conference Room

Instructor:

Marty Young
Marty Young and his wife Sandy joined Redeemer after moving to New York four years ago. Marty works in the financial sector as a restructuring and turnaround professional. However, for the last six years, he has pursued theological studies at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary where he graduated with an MDIV and is now completing a ThM in Biblical Theology. He also graduated from the NYU Stern School of Business with an MBA and Georgia Tech with an MS in Operations Research. A graduate of West Point, Marty serves in the NY ARNG’s Fighting 69th as a Chaplain Candidate in his spare time. Marty and his wife Sandy have two young children, James and Amanda.

Becoming Wise: Proverbs & James (March 8-29, 2009)

Here is the course information and syllabus:

This course provides a broad overview of biblical wisdom literature, specifically Proverbs and James (the primary Old and New Testament wisdom books). The intentions of the class are as follows:

  1. to increase the student’s biblical literacy
  2. to help establish a framework for understanding reformed theology
  3. to equip the student with basic exegetical skills to analyze and apply wisdom literature.

We will use Scripture to analyze itself, so we will examine passages in Genesis through the writings of various biblical authors: Moses, Luke, John, David, etc. A more literal translation of the bible [RSV, ASV, or ESV] is recommended, but by no means required. The instructor will also post handouts here.


Schedule:
Sundays, March 8 through 29 from 12:10PM to 1:10PM.

Location: Hunter College, West Building (Southwest Corner of 68 & Lexington).

Childcare: Childcare is provided by RSVP only for children 3 and under. To make arrangements for childcare, please email Bethany at bethany.griffith@redeemer.com at least 4 days prior to the start of the class (Wednesday).

Registration will open online Saturday, January 10. Limited enrollment. There is no fee for this course.

Please click here to register.

If you have any questions, please contact: foundations@redeemer.com


Becoming Wise: Proverbs & James (March 8-29)
Date/Time Class Description
Mar 8 12:10PM - 1:10PM Pure and Undefiled Religion In this class, we will study James Chapter 1. This class will provide a framework towards understanding the source of Godly Wisdom and how it compares and conflicts with Worldly Wisdom. We will then see that true Godly Wisdom provides the believer with a means to pursue pure and undefiled religion [James 1:27].
Mar 15 12:10PM - 1:10PM If Sinners Entice You… This class will focus on the two archetypes of foolishness found in Proverbs: the adulterous woman and the violent man. We will carefully study these two personalities, using both Old and New Testament sources to understand what they are about and why they are to be avoided.
Mar 22 12:10PM - 1:10PM Your Father’s Instructions and Your Mother’s Teaching In this class, we will examine the 10 Commandments to see how they operate as the primary ethic throughout Wisdom Literature, in both the Old and New Testaments.
Mar 29 12:10PM - 1:10PM Proverbs and the New Testament We will survey various Proverbs quoted in the New Testament and understand how Jesus and the apostles applied them.

Location: Hunter College - West Building (directions) 506

Instructor:

Marty Young
Marty Young and his wife Sandy joined Redeemer after moving to New York four years ago. Marty works in the financial sector as a restructuring and turnaround professional. However, for the last six years, he has pursued theological studies at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary where he graduated with an MDIV and is now completing a ThM in Biblical Theology. He also graduated from the NYU Stern School of Business with an MBA and Georgia Tech with an MS in Operations Research. A graduate of West Point, Marty serves in the NY ARNG’s Fighting 69th as a Chaplain Candidate in his spare time. Marty and his wife Sandy have two young children, James and Amanda.

Genesis Pre-History Class Notes

Genesis Class,

Here are the slides for Genesis 1-3 (Classes #1-3). 

Click here do download the slides

Take care! In Christ, Marty

Interlude: A Biblical Theology

Question:

In God's plan we live in a period of "INTERLUDE," can you clarify?

Response:

The Kingdom of God is sometimes described as "Already, Not Yet."  This is the INTERLUDE so to speak.  

John the Baptist began proclaiming that the "Kingdom of Heaven is at hand" [Matt 3:2], announcing the coming of the Messiah Jesus Christ [Matt 3:11].  When Jesus is baptized, John's ministry quickly diminishes, but Jesus continues the proclamation that the Kingdom of God is near [Mark 1:15, Luke 10:9, etc.].  However, at times, Jesus also hints that the Kingdom of God has in fact arrived [Luke 11:20].   To understand this apparent paradox, we should examine John 3:1-21:

John 3:1-21

1
Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him." 3 Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." 4 Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" 5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." 9 Nicodemus said to him, "How can these things be?" 10 Jesus answered him, "Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except him who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life." 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his deeds have been carried out in God.


From this passage, we should be able to see that those who are of the Kingdom of God are born of "water and the Spirit" [John 3:5].  Unfortunately, this is often misunderstood.  Sadly, many superstitous people believe that the baptism ritual is the seal of salvation (which is incorrect).  However, it is an indicator.  So, if that is the case, what did Jesus mean by "water."  Clearly, it is somehow related to baptism. 

First, we need to understand that baptism is not introduced in the New Testament.  Paul describes Israel coming out of Egypt as being baptized with Moses [1 Cor 10:2].  Arguably, there is baptism language even in the Creation account itself (Gen 1:2).  Without going into the detail this subject deserves, in Mark 10:38, Jesus describes his coming death as a "baptism" which is a strong New Testament echo of an Old Testament concept (see Psalm 69). 

Psalm 69: TO THE CHOIRMASTER: ACCORDING TO LILIES. OF DAVID.

1 Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck. 2 I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me. 3 I am weary with my crying out; my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God. 4 More in number than the hairs of my head are those who hate me without cause; mighty are those who would destroy me, those who attack me with lies. What I did not steal must I now restore? 5 O God, you know my folly; the wrongs I have done are not hidden from you. 6 Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me, O Lord GOD of hosts; let not those who seek you be brought to dishonor through me, O God of Israel. 7 For it is for your sake that I have borne reproach, that dishonor has covered my face. 8 I have become a stranger to my brothers, an alien to my mother's sons. 9 For zeal for your house has consumed me, and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me. 10 When I wept and humbled my soul with fasting, it became my reproach. 11 When I made sackcloth my clothing, I became a byword to them. 12 I am the talk of those who sit in the gate, and the drunkards make songs about me. 13 But as for me, my prayer is to you, O LORD. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness. 14 Deliver me from sinking in the mire; let me be delivered from my enemies and from the deep waters. 15 Let not the flood sweep over me, or the deep swallow me up, or the pit close its mouth over me. 16 Answer me, O LORD, for your steadfast love is good; according to your abundant mercy, turn to me. 17 Hide not your face from your servant; for I am in distress; make haste to answer me. 18 Draw near to my soul, redeem me; ransom me because of my enemies! 19 You know my reproach, and my shame and my dishonor; my foes are all known to you. 20 Reproaches have broken my heart, so that I am in despair. I looked for pity, but there was none, and for comforters, but I found none. 21 They gave me poison for food, and for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink. 22 Let their own table before them become a snare; and when they are at peace, let it become a trap. 23 Let their eyes be darkened, so that they cannot see, and make their loins tremble continually. 24 Pour out your indignation upon them, and let your burning anger overtake them. 25 May their camp be a desolation; let no one dwell in their tents. 26 For they persecute him whom you have struck down, and they recount the pain of those you have wounded. 27 Add to them punishment upon punishment; may they have no acquittal from you. 28 Let them be blotted out of the book of the living; let them not be enrolled among the righteous. 29 But I am afflicted and in pain; let your salvation, O God, set me on high! 30 I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving. 31 This will please the LORD more than an ox or a bull with horns and hoofs. 32 When the humble see it they will be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive. 33 For the LORD hears the needy and does not despise his own people who are prisoners. 34 Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and everything that moves in them. 35 For God will save Zion and build up the cities of Judah, and people shall dwell there and possess it; 36 the offspring of his servants shall inherit it, and those who love his name shall dwell in it.

What does this mean?  Jesus is basically saying that the baptism necessary to enter into the Kingdom of God is death itself.  This is why Jesus says things like: "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?" [Mark 8:34-38].  This is also why Paul exhorts us Christians that we have "died with Christ" [Rom 6:8, 2 Tim 2:11].  However, the funny thing is that we aren't quite "dead yet." 

When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are as good as dead, since we have "crucified our old selves with Jesus Christ" [Rom 6:6] but we aren't quite dead yet, which of course is the nature of crucifiction.  Crucifiction is a long, slow, and painful death.  If understood this way, then when we accept Jesus Christ we don't immediately die, but we are as good as dead.  So, we should live this way. In dying with Jesus on the cross (over the rest of our time here on Earth), we experience the Kingdom of God in real time.  This is the "INTERLUDE".  At some point, we do die, the INTERLUDE ends, and then we will experience the fullness of the Kingdom of God.

OT770 Psalms Outline

For those intersted, here is the Psalms Outline I put together for OT700. 

Click here to download the Psalms Outline

Click here to download the Psalm 1 analysis

Thanks! In Christ, Marty

When Does Human Life Begin?

Question:

When does human life begin?

Response: 

In general, Biblical theologians agree that human life (not just biological life) begins at conception based on Genesis 1:26-27, Psalm 51:5-6, and Psalm 139:13-16.  For quick reference, here are the texts with some quick commentaries:

Genesis 1:26-27  Then God said, "Let us make Humanity in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." So God created Humanity in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.

Gen 1:26-27 speaks to the biological fact that a person's DNA marks him or her as either male or female at conception.  In other words, a single cell fertilized egg (or "zygote) is a sexual being with a unique genetic identity.  Thus, at conception, a person is an Image of God.  True, the Bible does recognize that some people are born with ambiguous sexual identities [see Matt 19:12], but these persons are no less an Image of God.

Psalm 51:5-6  Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.

Psalm 51 suggests that a person has a moral identity at conception, meaning a person has moral potential.  Does this mean that a single celled human being can do right or wrong?  In this world, No... but in the world to come, I would argue that a single celled human being could have a moral role as a witness to wrongdoing.  In other words, I do think that aborted children will ultimately witness against their parents and the society which allowed such practices to take place.  One thing to keep in mind about Psalm 51 was the circumstance in which David made it.  David was an adulterer who had desparately tried to keep his married mistress' unborn child a secret and eventually murdered her husband Uriah to do it.  Since Roe vs Wade, there have been millions of secret pregnancies that ended in abortion.  According to this world, these aborted children accomplished nothing, but in the world to come, they will have to determine right vs wrong.  They will have an opportunity to serve as witnesses.  They will also have the ability to forgive their parents.  You can't get more human than that.
 
Psalm 139:13-16  For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

This passage suggests that a person is known by God, before the point of conception.  Furthermore, as a person is "knitted together" in his or her mother's womb, we must remember that it is God who is at work.  He is the Creator who makes human beings in His Image.  We all were created by God to be like God.  The idea that some of us human beings would terminate and kill unborn children warrants pure condemnation.  Those that do it deserve to be aborted themselves, meaning blotted out of God's book of life referenced Psalm 139:16.

There are other biblical passages worth discussing concerning the abortion issue.  My favorites are the Jesus and John the Baptist conception passages found in the Gospel of Luke.

I hope this helps you as you develop your own personal theology and ethic towards abortion.

In Christ, Marty