David
Psalm 32
A Psalm of David, Maschil.
Scripture (KJV)
1Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
2Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.
3When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long.
4For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.
5I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.
6For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.
7Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.
8I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
9Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.
10Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.
11Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.
Summary
Psalm 32 is a wisdom psalm and one of the seven penitential psalms, in which David celebrates the blessing of forgiven sin. He describes the physical and spiritual cost of silence—bones wasting away, God’s hand heavy day and night, moisture dried up like summer drought. The breakthrough comes in confession: "I acknowledged my sin unto thee... and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin." The forgiven one finds God to be a hiding place surrounded by songs of deliverance. God promises to instruct and guide with His eye, not with bit and bridle like an unreasoning horse. The psalm closes with a call to gladness and shouting for joy.
The major themes are forgiveness, confession, guidance, protection, and joy. Paul quotes verses 1–2 in Romans 4 to show that the blessedness of forgiven sin comes through faith apart from works. Practically, the psalm teaches that silence before God is costly and confession is freeing. The great lesson is that the forgiven are the truly happy.
Key Themes
A Prayer from Psalm 32
Blessed are You, O LORD, for You forgive transgression and cover sin. Forgive me for the times I have kept silence and let my bones waste away with roaring. I acknowledge my sin to You and do not hide my iniquity. I confess my transgressions, and You forgive the iniquity of my sin. Be my hiding place, preserve me from trouble, and compass me about with songs of deliverance. Instruct me and teach me in the way I should go; guide me with Your eye. Keep me from stubbornness, unlike the horse or mule without understanding. Let mercy compass me about, for I trust in You. Make me glad in You, LORD, and let me shout for joy as one upright in heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Questions
- 1What sin have I been keeping silent about, and what is it costing me?
- 2How does confession turn God from a heavy hand into a hiding place?
- 3What does it mean for God to "guide me with mine eye" rather than with bit and bridle?
- 4How does Paul’s use of this psalm in Romans 4 shape my understanding of grace?
Related Psalms
Psalm 31
“In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.”
Trust in God amid distress and betrayal, committing the spirit to Him.
Read morePsalm 51
“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.”
David’s great prayer of repentance; a broken and contrite heart God will not despise.
Read morePsalm 25
“Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.”
An acrostic prayer for guidance, forgiveness, and deliverance.
Read morePsalm 130
“Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord.”
Psalm 130 is one of the "Penitential Psalms" and a Song of Ascents, beginning in the depths and rising to hope.
Read morePsalm 143
“Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.”
Psalm 143 is the last of the traditional Penitential Psalms and a lament of David under severe persecution.
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