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Psalm 32

The Joy of Forgiveness

Of David. A Maskil.

1

Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven,

whose sin is covered.

2

Happy are those to whom the L ord imputes no iniquity,

and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

 

3

While I kept silence, my body wasted away

through my groaning all day long.

4

For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;

my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah

 

5

Then I acknowledged my sin to you,

and I did not hide my iniquity;

I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the L ord,”

and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah

 

6

Therefore let all who are faithful

offer prayer to you;

at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters

shall not reach them.

7

You are a hiding place for me;

you preserve me from trouble;

you surround me with glad cries of deliverance. Selah

 

8

I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go;

I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

9

Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding,

whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle,

else it will not stay near you.

 

10

Many are the torments of the wicked,

but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the L ord.

11

Be glad in the L ord and rejoice, O righteous,

and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.


At last the Psalmist gives himself to thanksgiving, and although he uses but few words to celebrate the divine favor, there is, notwithstanding, much force in his brevity. In the first place, he denies that there is any other haven of safety but in God himself. Secondly, he assures himself that God will be his faithful keeper hereafter; for I willingly retain the future tense of the verb, though some, without any reason, translate it into the past. He is not, however, to be understood as meaning that he conceived himself safe from future tribulations, but he sets God’s guardianship over against them. Lastly, whatever adversity may befall him, he is persuaded that God will be his deliverer. By the word compass, he means manifold and various kinds of deliverance; as if he had said, that he should be under obligation to God in innumerable ways, and that he should, on every side, have most abundant matter for praising him. We may observe in the meantime, how he offers his service of gratitude to God, according to his usual method, putting songs of deliverance instead of help.


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