A Psalm of Thanksgiving on the Joy of Forgiveness

“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no guile…I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.’ And You forgave the iniquity of my soul…I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye…Be glad in the Lord and rejoice you righteous; And shout for joy, all you upright in heart!’ " (Psalm 32: 1-2,5, 8, 11. NKJV) [Read Psalm 32]

Another psalm attributed to David’s authorship, it has the notation in Hebrew, “Maschil” which means “a contemplation.” Commentaries I read on this Psalm did not state that the forgiveness David was pleading for was the occasion of his adultery with Bathsheba and his sending her husband Uriah into the thick of battle so that he would be killed in war and David could take her as his wife. (See 2 Samuel 11 and 12 for this account. Also, see the introduction of Psalm 51, which states that it is David’s prayer for forgiveness after Nathan the prophet confronted him with his sin.) But Psalm 32 could also be David’s acknowledgement of that grave sin for which he sought forgiveness. He tells of his misery from the sin that weighed him down in verses 3 and 4. His bones “grew old,” he “groaned all the day long,” he had no rest for “day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was turned into the drought of summer.” Whatever David’s sin, his conscience was really troubling him.

“Honest confession is good for the soul.” David knew that for himself, and he invited others to likewise confess and pray: “For this cause everyone who is godly shall pray to You In a time when You may be found” (32:6). Results of confession and praying for forgiveness are stated in verse 7: “You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance.”

After forgiveness, instruction in righteousness is needed so that sin will not again overcome a person. We are not to be like a stubborn mule that has to have a bit in its mouth to guide it. Instead, we are to trust in the Lord and seek righteousness. Forgiveness of sin and restoration to right relationship with God are causes of rejoicing: “Shout for joy!” This psalm teaches the importance of being honest with God. He knows already what sins weigh us down. But it is important that we “confess up” and be forgiven. “Honesty is the best policy,” and in particular in matters that keep us from God’s best for us. Abandon sin and follow God. He pardons those who confess sins and seek His forgiveness. St. Augustine considered this Psalm so important that he posted a copy beside his bed.

c Ethelene Dyer Jones; Friday, November 19, 2010