Psalms Chapter 32

From The Open Bible Project

By David. A contemplative psalm.

32:1 Blessed is he whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

• (a) Concerning the free remission of sins, which is the chief point of our faith.

(b) To be justified by faith, is to have our sins freely remitted, and to be declared just, (Romans 4:6).

32:2 Blessed is the man to whom Yahweh doesn't impute iniquity, in whose spirit there is no deceit.

32:3 When I kept silence, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.

• (c) Between hope and despair.

(d) Was not eased by silence nor crying, signifying that before the sinner is reconciled to God, he feels a perpetual torment.

32:4 For day and night your hand was heavy on me. My strength was sapped in the heat of summer. Selah.

32:5 I acknowledged my sin to you. I didn't hide my iniquity. I said, I will confess my transgressions to Yahweh, and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

• (e) He shows that as God’s mercy is the only cause of forgiveness of sins, so the means of it are repentance and confession which proceed from faith.

32:6 For this, let everyone who is godly pray to you in a time when you may be found. Surely when the great waters overflow, they shall not reach to him.

• (f) When necessity causes him to seek you for help, (Isaiah 55:6).

(g) That is, the waters and great dangers.

32:7 You are my hiding place. You will preserve me from trouble. You will surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah.

32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go. I will counsel you with my eye on you.

• (h) David promises to make the rest of God’s children partakers of the benefits which he felt, and that he will diligently look and take care to direct them in the way of salvation.

32:9 Don't be like the horse, or like the mule, which have no understanding, who are controlled by bit and bridle, or else they will not come near to you.

• (i) If men can rule brute beasts, do they think that God will not bridle and tame their rage?

32:10 Many sorrows come to the wicked, but loving kindness shall surround him who trusts in Yahweh.

32:11 Be glad in Yahweh, and rejoice, you righteous! Shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart!

• (k) He shows that peace and joy of conscience in the Holy Spirit is the fruit of faith.