Psalm 32:1-5

The Joy of Forgiveness

1

Of David. A Maskil.

1 Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, ¹ whose sins are covered. ^[a]

2 Blessed is the man whose iniquity the LORD does not count against him, ^[b] in whose spirit there is no deceit.

3 When I kept silent, my bones became brittle from my groaning all day long.

4 For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was drained ^[c] as in the summer heat. Selah

5 Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not hide my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah

Psalm 32:1-5 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.

Cross References

• 1. (Romans 4:1–12)

Footnotes

• [a] LXX Blessed is he whose lawless acts are forgiven, whose sins are covered; cited in Romans 4:7
• [b] LXX Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him; cited in Romans 4:8
• [c] Or my vitality was turned