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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.


11. Be glad in Jehovah. After teaching how ready and accessible true happiness is to all the godly, David, with much reason, exhorts them to gladness. He commands them to rejoice in the Lord, as if he had said, There is nothing to prevent them from assuring themselves of God’s favor, seeing he so liberally and so kindly offers to be reconciled to them. In the meantime, we may observe that this is the incomparable fruit of faith which Paul likewise commends, namely, when the consciences of the godly being quiet and cheerful, enjoy peace and spiritual joy. Wherever faith is lively, this holy rejoicing will follow. But since the world’s own impiety prevents it from participating in this joy, David, therefore, addresses the righteous alone, whom he denominates the upright in heart, to teach us that the external appearance of righteousness which pleases men is of no avail in the sight of God. But how does he call those righteous, whose whole happiness consists in the free mercy of God not imputing their sins to them? I answer, that none others are received into favor but those who are dissatisfied with themselves for their sins, and repent with their whole heart; not that this repentance merits pardon, but because faith can never be separated from the spirit of regeneration. When they have begun to devote themselves to God, he accepts the upright disposition of their hearts equally as if it were pure and perfect; for faith not only reconciles a man to God, but also sanctifies whatever is imperfect in him, so that by the free grace of God, he becomes righteous who could never have obtained so great a blessing by any merit of his own.


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