Psalms 32:2-11

2 How blessed those to whom ADONAI imputes no guilt, in whose spirit is no deceit!

3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away because of my groaning all day long;

4 day and night your hand was heavy on me; the sap in me dried up as in a summer drought. (Selah)

5 When I acknowledged my sin to you, when I stopped concealing my guilt, and said, "I will confess my offenses to ADONAI"; then you, you forgave the guilt of my sin. (Selah)

6 This is what everyone faithful should pray at a time when you can be found. Then, when the floodwaters are raging, they will not reach to him.

7 You are a hiding-place for me, you will keep me from distress; you will surround me with songs of deliverance. (Selah)

8 "I will instruct and teach you in this way that you are to go; I will give you counsel; my eyes will be watching you."

9 Don't be like a horse or mule that has no understanding, that has to be curbed with bit and bridle, or else it won't come near you.

10 Many are the torments of the wicked, but grace surrounds those who trust in ADONAI.

11 Be glad in ADONAI; rejoice, you righteous! Shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

Psalms 32:2-11 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.