Psalms 32:2-11

2 Blessed is the man to whom the LORD doesn't impute iniquity, In whose spirit there is no deceit.

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

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

5 I acknowledged my sin to you. I didn't hide my iniquity. I said, I will confess my transgressions to the LORD, And you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

6 For this, let everyone that 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.

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

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

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

10 Many sorrows shall be to the wicked, But he who trusts in the LORD, lovingkindness shall surround him.

11 Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, you righteous! Shout for joy, all you who are 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.