Psalms 32:6-11

6 For this reason let all godly people pray to you when you may be found. Then raging floodwater will not reach them.

7 You are my hiding place. You protect me from trouble. You surround me with joyous songs of salvation. Selah

8 [The LORD says,] "I will instruct you. I will teach you the way that you should go. I will advise you as my eyes watch over you.

9 Don't be stubborn like a horse or mule. [They need] a bit and bridle in their mouth to restrain them, or they will not come near you."

10 Many heartaches await wicked people, but mercy surrounds those who trust the LORD.

11 Be glad and find joy in the LORD, you righteous people. Sing with joy, all whose motives are decent.

Psalms 32:6-11 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 32

\\<<[A Psalm], of David, Maschil>>\\. This is the first of the psalms that bears this title: some think it is the name of a musical instrument, on which this psalm was sung; others the first word of a song, to the tune of which it was sung, as Aben Ezra; some say it is so called, because it was explained by an interpreter, as Jarchi; and the Rabbins {k} say, that every psalm that is called "Maschil" was dictated by an interpreter: the Targum renders it "a good understanding"; and the word properly signifies "instruction", or "causing to understand" {l}; and it may be the apostle has some reference to this title in 1Co 14:15; It is an instructive psalm; a didascalic ode, as Junius renders it: it gives an account how the psalmist was instructed under a dispensation of Providence; and was brought to a sense of sin, and acknowledgment of it; and was favoured with a discovery of pardoning grace; and in it he takes upon him to instruct others, Ps 32:8,9, and does instruct in the doctrine of the pardon of sin by the grace of God. {k} Elias Levita in Tishbi, p. 271. {l} lykvm "erudiens", Musculus, Munster, Vatablus, Montanus; "informans", Gejerus; "an instructing psalm", Ainsworth.