Psalm 32: Blest is the man whose transgression is forgiven

Blest is the man whose transgression is forgiven.

Blest is the man whose sin is covered.

Blest is the man to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity,

And in whose spirit there is no deceit.

When I did not declare my sin, my body wasted away;

Through my groaning all the day long.

Through day and night your hand was heavy upon me;

My strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.

I acknowledged my sin and I did not hide my iniquity;

I said, "I’ll confess my transgressions to the LORD";

Then you did forgive the guilt of my sin;

Then you did forgive the guilt of my sin.

Therefore let every one who is godly offer prayer to you;

At a time of distress, rushing waters, they will not reach him.

For you are my hiding place and preserve me from trouble;

And you encompass me with your deliverance.

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

I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

Don’t be like a horse or a mule without understanding,

Which must be curbed by bit and bridle else it won’t keep with you.

Bridge

Many are the wicked’s pangs;

But love surrounds him who trusts in the LORD.

Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O you righteous,

And shout for joy, all you upright in heart.

Jeff Lowe: lead vocal, piano, guitars, bass guitar, keys, percussion, drums

Nick Harvey: alto saxophone

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Comments

Psalm 32 belongs to a group called ‘the penitential psalms’, which talk about the pain and sorrow of living with sin that needs to be forgiven and the consequences of that sin. Both psalms 32 and 51 are thought to relate to David’s sin with Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11, and the murder of her husband Uriah.

Psalm 32 opens with a declaration that blessing comes through forgiveness. There is nothing here that could be mistaken for self – righteousness. Sin and its consequences are described and the description is not very pleasant. David is at rock bottom but confession and the forgiveness that flows from it brings much needed physical and psychological relief.

The psalmist is a changed man and he is able to give testimony to the God who has made his new life possible. The voice of the psalm seems to switch in verse 8 to God, as he gives David some much needed advice. “Listen to my instructions and I will show you the way; don’t be stubborn, but let my counsel guide you.”