Psalm 32:1-6

Of David. A maskil.

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

2 Blessed is the one whose sin the LORD does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.

3 When I kept silent, 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 as in the heat of summer.^[b]

5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.

6 Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them.

Psalm 32:1-6 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. Psalms 85:2; Psalms 103:3
• 2. S Romans 4:7-8*; 2 Corinthians 5:19
• 3. John 1:47; Revelation 14:5
• 4. S Job 31:34
• 5. Psalms 31:10
• 6. S Job 3:24; Psalms 6:6
• 7. 1 Samuel 5:6; S Job 9:34; Psalms 38:2; Psalms 39:10; Job 33:7
• 8. Psalms 22:15
• 9. Job 31:33
• 10. Proverbs 28:13
• 11. Psalms 103:12
• 12. S Leviticus 26:40; 1 John 1:9
• 13. Psalms 69:13; Isaiah 55:6
• 14. S Exodus 15:10
• 15. Psalms 69:1
• 16. Isaiah 43:2

Footnotes

• [a] Title: Probably a literary or musical term
• [b] The Hebrew has "Selah" (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verses 5 and 7.