Psalm 32

Background to the Psalm:

This is the second of the seven ‘penitential’ psalms.  It is the first given the title ‘A Maskil’ an expression which can mean ‘a skilful song’, ‘a song of instruction’ or ‘a contemplative poem’.  It is generally attributed to the time when David had committed adultery with Bathsheba and his subsequent failings before the prophet Nathan confronted him with his sin.  It was probably written after Psalm 51 as that psalm has a more immediate feel to it and this one seems to be more contemplative in its nature.

The structure of the Psalm:

• David starts by praising God for his now happy state (vs1-2).
• David reflects on his former state before repenting and how it had damaged his relationship with God (vs3-4).
• The effect his of repentance and his reflection on that (vs5-7).
• The Lord’s answer to the prayer and his instruction to David (vs8-9).
• David’s reflections on the benefits of his relationship with the Lord (vs10-11).

Some obviations on the text (all quotations ESV):

In verses 1-2 David uses three terms to express his sin.  The first is: ‘transgression’, which is rebellion against a rightful authority.  The second is the actual word: ‘sin’, which means to constantly miss the mark or to fall short.  Lastly he uses the word: ‘iniquity’ which can also be translated as crookedness or to deviate.  In relation to this he also uses three terms that apply to forgiveness.  The first is: ‘forgiven’ and the last is: ‘the LORD counts no iniquity’ (v2).  The second however is: ‘whose sin is covered’ (v2).  This one is particularly interesting as it is reminiscent of the blood of the sacrifices being sprinkled by the priest on the mercy seat on the ‘Day of Atonement’, hence symbolically covering over the sin from the condemnation of the Law!  Because of his experience of God’s forgiveness David starts the Psalm on a note of praise which could be translated: ‘happy is the one whose transgression forgiven’.

Verses 3-5 contrast the state before and after David confessed his sin.  There seems to have been a considerable time before David confessed his sin which happen when he was confronted by the prophet Nathan (1 Samuel 12:13).  These verses described that period of time and the real sense of turmoil he experienced which seemed to take on physical manifestations (v3).   David suffering is expressed by the phase: ‘your hand was heavy on me’ (v4).  Yet in verse 5 with its impression of instant forgiveness there is a real sense of David knowing the slate has been wiped completely clean when he makes what is a complete confession of the sin he’d committed. David now urges others to do as he has done and not hide anything from God.  After all David realizes from this and other experiences that real security is found in the Lord and him alone (vs6-7).

In verses 8-9 it is God who speaks in answer to the prayer and also to command David to instruct others as verse 9 is in the plural and not the singular of the previous verse.  In the last verses David makes to two observations.  Firstly, sin is not a fun thing and in the end will not lead to a happy life (v10).  Secondly real security and happiness can only be found in the Lord’s way and to go against that is complete and utter folly that will deny the believer his happy state in serving God.  David now invites other believers to join him in praising the Lord (v11).

Like to hear a sermon on this passage?  The Refreshment Repentance Brings.