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Category: Philosophy and Psychology
Date Submitted: 06/28/2016 10:28 PM
THE BOOK OF PSALMS"
Psalm 32 - The Blessedness of Confessing Sin
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS PSALM
1) To note the connection between this psalm and Psalm 51
2) To observe the use and possible meaning of the word "Maschil"
3) To be impressed with the importance of confessing our sins to God
SUMMARY
This psalm was written by David (cf. Ro 4:6-8) and is generally thoughtto have been composed after he received forgiveness in the matter ofBathsheba (cf. 2Sa 11:1-12:15). In seeking forgiveness, he had promised to "teach transgressors your ways" (cf. Ps 51:13), and with this psalm he fulfill his promise. The heading calls this psalm a"Maschil", possibly meaning a poem of contemplation or meditation. It certainly qualifies as a didactic or instructive psalm (cf. Ps 32:8).
It begins with stating the blessedness or joy of forgiveness, where the Lord does not count one's sins against him, and in whose spirit there is no guile (1-2). What led David to this conclusion was first the curse of remaining silent, in which he experienced both physical and emotional stress. This was partly due to the guilt of sin itself, but David also mentions the chastening hand of the Lord upon him (3-4).But then he confessed his sin to the Lord, and the Lord forgave him. This prompts Dave to bless (speak well of) God as a source of protection easily found by the godly in time of trouble, Who will surround him with songs of deliverance (5-7).The psalm ends with David (though some think it is God speaking)offering to instruct and teach one in the way he should go (cf. Psa
51:13). With a caution not to be like the mule or horse which lacks understanding and must be drawn near, David contrasts the sorrows of the wicked with the mercy that will surround him who puts his trust in the Lord. This ought to cause the righteous to be glad in the Lord, and the upright in heart to shout for joy (8-11).
OUTLINE
I. THE JOY OF FORGIVENESS (32:1-2)
A. THE BLESSED MAN (1-2a)...