Knowing The Word in Psalm 32

Blessed Are the Forgiven

A Maskil of David.

1 Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

3 For when I kept silent, my bones 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 I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah

6 Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him. 7 You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. 9 Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.

10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord. 11 Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

Comments

David committed adultery with Bathsheba but kept it a secret, not repenting to the Lord of his sin of commission and his later sin of having her husband killed in battle. He had an intimate relationship with God, but his sins drove him away in shame. Adam and Eve did likewise, hiding from God in the Garden. During his silence, David’s bones “wasted away.” After being confronted by Nathan, the prophet, David repented and reconciled with God, knowing his sins were covered.

Prayer

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your loving-kindness; in your great compassion blot out my offences. Wash me through and through from my wickedness and cleanse me from my sin.

Holy God,

holy and mighty,

holy immortal one,

have mercy upon us.

Eastern Orthodox