There are ten men in the Scriptures who have one cry. The cry is, "I have sinned." But how differently they utter this confession.
1. The cry of hardened Pharaoh, as he is smarting under the judgment of God, but yet goes on in his rebellious way (Exd 9:27; Exd 10:16).
2. The cry of covetous Baalam, as he confesses to the angel (Num 22:34), but still clings to the wages of unrighteousness.
3. The cry of discovered and deceitful Achan, as he confesses his iniquity to Joshua (Jos 7:20), but who would not have said anything if he had not been found out.
4. The cry of reckless and rebellious King Saul, as he finds His sin is discovered (1Sa 15:24, 30).
5. The cry of convicted David, when his sin is revealed to him by Nathan (2Sa 12:13).
6. The cry of persecuting but penitent Shimei, as he acknowledges his wrong-doing to David (2Sa 19:20).
7. The cry of chastened and yet chafing Job, as he is smarting under his affliction (Job 7:20).
8. The cry of humbled Micah, as he judges himself before the Lord (Mic 7:9).
9. The cry of traitorous Judas, as he beholds the result of his unholy act (Mat 27:4).
10. The cry of the convicted and comfortless prodigal, as he returns to his father's house (Luk 15:21).