Psalms 32

David teacheth here that they are blessed to whom God forgives their sins, and that confess the same uprightly: which he doth confirm with his own example and the practise of all believers; warnings from hardness, and exhorting to cheearfulness in God for his kindness.

1. An instruction of David, [Hebr. Maskil, that is to say, instructor, the giveth understanding, or, maketh understanding, i.e. a Psalm of Instruction, or, doctrine, or a teaching Psalm. Called thus, by reason of the necessary and weight doctrine, therein comprehended. This same title diver other Psalms also have, such namely as were made, for some special instruction and direction, as well for the author thereof himself, as for the whole Church of God] Right happy, (or, blessed) is he, whose transgression is forgaven, [or, taken away, which manner of speaking is likewise used in the new Testament. See above Psalm 25.on verse 18. And compare Heb.9.28. Hebr.as if one should say, eased, or, forgiven of transgression; or, a forgiven one of transgression, covered of sin; which Hebrew manner of expression doth imply the same that is expressed in the Text] whose sin is covered. [See the exposition of this Doctrine, Rom.4.6,7, etc. And 2 Cor.5.19.21.]

2. Right happy is the man, to whom the LORD doth not impure iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit, [i.e. that serveth God without hypocrisy or dissembling, and confesseth his sins with an upright heart before him.]

3. Whiles I was silent, [Not confessing my sins before the LORD] my bones waxed old; in my roaring all the day.

4. For thy hand [i.e. plague, affliction. Compare Ruth 1:13. and Job 13.on verse 21.] was heavy upon me, day and night, my sap [i.e. The natural warn humour or moisture, which maintains the life of man] was altered into Sommer-droweth, Sela! [See Psalm.3.on verse 3.]

5. My sin I made known unto thee, [i.e. but when I made my sins, then thou forgavest] and mine iniquity I covered not; I said; I will make confession of my transgression, before the LORD: and thou forgavest [or, tookest away] the iniquity of my sin; [the guilt and the punishment, so that I may well count my self in a happy condition, as verse 1.] Sela.

6. For this every Saint [See of the Hebrew word, Psalm 4.on verse 4.] shall pray unto thee, in time of finding: [i.e. when thou, O LORD, wilt befound; See Isaiah 55.verse 6. Oth.in time of hitting; i.e. when the Judgements, or punishments do hit men home; which likewise well agrees with sequel. See Psalms 21:9. and 16.3. Item Deut.4.on v.30, &c.] yea, in an inundation of great waters [or, many, mighty waters, i.e. when great extremities are ready to come upon them. See 2 Sam.22.on verse 17.] they shall not reach them.

7. Thou art a hiding unto me, [As a hiding place, see Psalm 31,21.] thou keepest me from distress; thou surroundest me with cheerful songs of deliverance. Sela.

8. I will instruct thee, [Here the Prophet turns his speech to men; though some conceive these to be Gods own words, whom David introduced speaking thus] and teach thee of the way, which thou art to go: I shall give counsel, mine eye shall be upon thee. [i.e. I shall take care for thee, or taking care for thee. Compare Deu.11.12. Ezra 5:5. Item 1 Kings 8.on verse 29. Psalms 33:18. and 34.16. Jer.24.5. and 39.12. and 40.4.]

9. Be not like a horse, like a mule, which hath no understanding, whose mouth one doth restrain with bit and bridle, that it approach thee not. [That the horse or mule do not hurt thee, or, when it will not approach unto thee.]

10. The wicked hath many pains: [Compare Prov.13.21. and 19.29. and 24.20.] but whoso trusteth in the LORD, him kindness shall surround. [viz. The kindness of the LORD.]

11. Rejoice in the LORD, and be glad, ye righteous and sing cheerfully, all ye upright of heart. [See Psalm 7.on verse 11.]