Psalms 32:5-11

5 Then I confessed my sins to you; I did not conceal my wrongdoings. I decided to confess them to you, and you forgave all my sins.

6 So all your loyal people should pray to you in times of need; when a great flood of trouble comes rushing in, it will not reach them.

7 You are my hiding place; you will save me from trouble. I sing aloud of your salvation, because you protect me.

8 The Lord says, "I will teach you the way you should go; I will instruct you and advise you.

9 Don't be stupid like a horse or a mule, which must be controlled with a bit and bridle to make it submit."

10 The wicked will have to suffer, but those who trust in the Lord are protected by his constant love.

11 You that are righteous, be glad and rejoice because of what the Lord has done. You that obey him, shout for joy!

Psalms 32:5-11 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. [Some ancient translations] need; [Hebrew] finding only.