Psalms 32

Psalms 32:1-11

the Song of the Forgiven Psalms 32:1-11 David wrote this psalm, Romans 4:6-8. Maschil means “ to give instruction.” We are deeply instructed as to the working of conscience. Compare with Psalms 51:1-19. This was one of Luther’ s favorites. For some time after his sin, David withheld confession and suffered terribly. But when the wound was opened and the poison pressed from it, he burst out in the words with which the psalm opens: Oh, the blessedness! Sin means missing the mark; iniquity is that which is turned aside from its course. Forgiven, covered, not imputed-each of these is true in Jesus. The presence of God is always appreciably nearer when floods are running high. Note those three precious promises of instruction, teaching, and guidance, Psalms 32:8. Throw on God the responsibility of indicating your path. Don’ t wait for the sharp jerk of bit or bridle; let love prompt and inspire your every movement. Haydn said: “ When I think on God, the notes dance from my pen.” Remember the music and dancing that welcomed the prodigal!

Thou forgavestDavid evidently wrote this Psalm (Romans 4:6-8). It gives more minutely the story of his experience after his great sin (comp. Psalms 51:1-19). Maschil means to give instruction. This Psalm was one of Luther’s favorites.

Psalms 32:1-2 Blessed is the man!. We never realize the blessedness of forgiveness so sweetly as when we have known the burden of unforgiven sin. The word is plural, “Oh, the blessednesses!’” Transgression is passing over a boundary. Sin is the missing of a mark. Iniquity is what is turned out of its proper course and perverted. The first must be forgiven, i.e., borne away (John 1:29). The second must be covered, i.e., hidden from sight (Revelation 3:18). The third must not be imputed (2 Corinthians 5:19). All these things are true of each believer in Jesus. And in such, forgiveness begets guilelessness.

Psalms 32:3-5I acknowledged my sin. For some time after his sin, the tempter so gagged David that he strove to hide it. Ah, how bitter was his anguish then! He was silent in confession, but not in grief. Under the remorse of conscience he suffered as if the combined agonies of ague and fever had smitten his physical strength, and laid him low. At last he could stand it no longer. He confessed and experienced the joy of God’s forgiveness (1 John 1:9). There is no cure for the soul like the heartfelt confession of sin.

Psalms 32:6-7 For this shall every one . . . pray. Godly people should take courage at the Lord’s deliverances to their fellows. Godliness is Godlikeness. Do you resemble your Father? (Ephesians 5:1). There are times when He seems especially near–nearer than the floods of great waters. Oh to be God-enclosed, God-encompassed! Then deliverances shall encircle us with songs.

Psalms 32:8I will instruct thee!. Three precious promises–for instruction, teaching and guidance. “Though the vision tarry,, wait for it” (Habakkuk 2:3). If the cloud still broods over the Holy Place, do not strike your tents (Numbers 9:15-23). Throw on God the responsibility of making his way plain. It is not that God will indicate our duty by the slight movement of the eye, but that He will watch us so as to stop us taking a wrong turn or making a false step.

Psalms 32:9 The bit and bridle. The R.V. gives a more accurate rendering of the original. With the bit and bridle the animal needs to be governed and restrained. We should be actuated by love.

Psalms 32:10-11 Be glad in the Lord!. Compassed with songs and with mercy. When one asked Haydn why his church music was so cheerful, he said, “I cannot make it otherwise: I write as I feel. When I think upon God, my heart is so full of joy that the notes dance and leap, as it were, from my pen.” (Philippians 4:4).