Old Testament
Psalms 32
Overview
Psalm 32 is a penitential psalm of thanksgiving in which David celebrates the joy of forgiven sin. He describes the agony of unconfessed guilt — bones wasting, strength dried up like summer heat — and the flood of relief when he finally confessed and the LORD covered his transgression. It matters because it unfolds the blessedness of grace: not sinlessness, but sin freely acknowledged and freely pardoned.
1By David. A contemplative psalm. Blessed is he whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
2Blessed is the man to whom Yahweh doesn’t impute iniquity, in whose spirit there is no deceit.
3When I kept silence, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.
4For day and night your hand was heavy on me. My strength was sapped in the heat of summer. Selah.
5I acknowledged my sin to you. I didn’t hide my iniquity. I said, I will confess my transgressions to Yahweh, and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah.
6For this, let everyone who is godly pray to you in a time when you may be found. Surely when the great waters overflow, they shall not reach to him.
7You are my hiding place. You will preserve me from trouble. You will surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah.
8I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go. I will counsel you with my eye on you.
9Don’t be like the horse, or like the mule, which have no understanding, who are controlled by bit and bridle, or else they will not come near to you.
10Many sorrows come to the wicked, but loving kindness shall surround him who trusts in Yahweh.
11Be glad in Yahweh, and rejoice, you righteous! Shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart!