Psalm Thirty Two

by Dr. Henry M. Morris

(taken from the Defender's Study Bible)

Navigate to Verse

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

A Psalm of David, Maschil.

Maschil. This is the first of thirteen maschil psalms (Psalm 32, 42, 44, 45, 52, 53, 54, 55, 74, 78, 88, 89, 142). “Maschil” seems to mean an emotionally contemplative song.

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

sin is covered. Psalm 32:1, 2, is quoted by Paul in Romans 4:7, 8. Psalm 32 is evidently David's song of joy after his repentance and restoration following his sin of adultery and murder in the matter of Bathsheba and Uriah (2 Samuel 11-12). See Psalm 51.

Psalm 32:2 Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.

imputeth not iniquity. See note on Genesis 15:6 and note on Romans 4:8 for the significance of “imputeth.”

Psalm 32:3 When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long.

my roaring. David was outwardly silent about his sin, but inwardly “roaring.” Note the use of the same word in connection with the sufferings of Christ on the cross (Psalm 22:1).

Psalm 32:4 For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah

Psalm 32:5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah

acknowledged my sin. This procedure (confession to the Lord, followed by His forgiveness) is reflected in the New Testament (e.g., xTerm 1:9).

Psalm 32:6 For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.

Psalm 32:7 Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah

Psalm 32:8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

with mine eye. Just as a mother can direct her child away from trouble with a meaningful glance, so the believer who is back in fellowship with the Lord becomes very sensitive to the Lord's will, through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Psalm 32:9 Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.

Psalm 32:10 Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.

Psalm 32:11 Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.