Tired. Aching. Hurting. Exhausted. Fatigued. Undernourished. Roaring in misery and anguish. Sounds like a third world country. For a Christian it is, it is a place we should not be found. It is in a state of being disciplined by God for sins committed. This is David’s description of himself as he was being disciplined by God for his sin with Bathsheba (see our study of 2 Samuel 11). This psalm was written after Psalm 51 (see our study) more as a reflection of what had happened to him after his sin and before the arrival of Nathan (see our study of 2 Samuel 12). It is a maskil used to relive a teachable moment for many to understand. Amazingly, this private psalm is sung as part of the services of the synagogue during the Day of Atonement services.
Psalm 32 is reflective of what God has done and Psalm 51 appears to be written in the struggle.
Various outlines can be made from this psalm. An example would be to divide it in six equal parts (1-2, 3-4, 5, 6-7, 8-9, and 10-11).
- Verses 1-2- the forgiven man
- Verses 3-4-the physical and psychological effects of unconfessed sin
- Verse 5-confession as the remedy to obtain God’s forgiveness
- Verses 6-7-forgiveness brings back prayer
- Verses 8-9-forgiveness bring back biblical insight
- Verses 10-11-forgiveness provides personal testimony
It could also be divided by the pauses (Selah): 1-4, 5, 6-7, and 8-11.
- Verses 1-4-Man cannot forgive on his own. Sin is always against God and witnessed by others (Psalm 51). Because our sin is against Him, He is the agent of forgiveness and we are the recipients. He forgives, He covers, He washes clean; we accept, we praise, we stand amazed. When we do not accept His forgiveness, we die a little each day. Our soul becomes like a sponge in the desert that has seen no rain for years.
- When Paul quotes verses 1-2 in Romans 4.6-8, he reminds us that forgiveness is a free gift of God based on the work of Christ, not an effort of good works on our part.
Selah-Do you believe your sins are forgiven? Why? On what basis are they?
- Verse 5-Confessed sin restores the soul not because it places us in right relationship with God, Jesus did that. Our soul is refreshed because our fellowship with God is restored (1 John). We can now access the Water of Life, the Bread of Life, Life Himself. This only comes when we confess our sins (1 John 1.9). Confession is to freely admit that our action was what God calls it. There is no excuse for it and no reason that is acceptable. It is a violation of God’s character.
Selah-Ask the Holy Spirit to convict you of your sin and of God’s righteousness (John 16.5-15).
- Verses 6-7-Once David repented, he realized that it is always to God that we need to go in order to get things right. In order for us to live the life He created for us to live, we need to be in Him. He is our hiding place (see song below).
Selah-When you do wrong, do you run to God or away from Him? He is your only source of hope.
- Verses 8-11-David reminds us that we are indeed responsible for our actions. He ends this psalm of penance with joy.
[more will be discussed on sin/forgiveness/relationship/fellowship in later posts if requested]
Definitions
David uses four words for sin in the first two verses alone: transgression, sin, iniquity, and deceit. These words provide insight into different shades of rebellion against God.
- Transgression is a breaking of God’s Law (פֶּשַׁע/ἀνομίαι)
- Sin is breaking the laws God placed in motion to rule His creation (חֲטָאָֽה/ἁμαρτίαι)
- Iniquity is the staining of the soul through depraved activities (עָוֹן/ἀδικία)
- Deceit or guile is misrepresenting the character of God by presenting yourself as something other than you are (רְמִיָּה/δόλος)
Complete cleansing and forgiveness are found in these verses too. Transgression is removed. Sin is covered, iniquity is not counted against, and deceit is no longer found. In Christ these are ours.
Media
- You are My Hiding Place by Selah (Psalm 32.7)
I think this Psalm shows the extent and magnitude of God’s mercy. Though we are sinners, His love is unfailing. He saves us from our transgressions. We don’t deserve God’s grace and forgiveness, but He still cares for us and protects. He is still faithful to us when we call on Him and trust Him.