One Word Study: Mercy (Psalm 32)

Opening Beatitudes

Psalm is described often as opening with 2 beatitudes because of the word “blessed” to begin each verse

should call to mind the sections of the sermon on the mount we typically use the word beatitude for

beatitude - A genre of literary statements about blessings or happiness. The word comes from beati, the Latin for “blessed”

Douglas Mangum, The Lexham Glossary of Theology (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).

v. 1 - David uses 2 metaphors to discuss the same thing that blesses a man

Forgiven - which conveys the idea of lifting or removing

covered - conveys concealing from sight

do you normally think of one covering sins as a good or bad thing?

i think of it like hiding your sins, but here it is not used in that way

Here the coverer is God and it accompanied by the clear picture of removal

v. 2 - How is the idea of God not counting iniquity any different than what is outlined in v. 1?

it isn’t in many way, repetition of synonymous ideas for emphatic effect

“counts” - imputes (KJV) or reckons or accounts

God does not count any inequity on their ledger, even though they have sinned in the past

“in whose spirit there is no deceit” - what does this mean? how does it relate?

based on the context of what follows, it probably refers to one who owns up to sin rather than being deceptive about it

1 John 1:8–10 “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”

Rom. 4:7-8 - Paul quotes this passage to help build his case that righteousness is not attained by works of the law, but simply by faith

Did David’s actions deserve mercy?

No, but God was merciful to Him as an imperfect man of faith

The burden of sin

32:3

“when I kept silent”…about what?

his sin

now what do we usually do about our sins?

we keep quiet about them, so we better pay attention bc he is about to lay out what happened when he tried that

“my bones wasted away”…”groaning”

he experienced turmoil under the weight of his sin

32:4

“day and night” indicates it the burden was contrast

do you think it might have affected his sleep? Can a guilty conscience keep you awake?

“your hand was heavy upon me”

but perhaps it is more than just the conscience

David attributes his turmoil to the hand of God

that does sound heavy

“strength dried up…”

these verses picture a person whose life is in shambles and who is mentally and physically in pain bc of their sin…I wonder if you can relate to this

This is a man who needs mercy!!

The Moment of Mercy

32:5

this is a transition moment, it contrasts v. 3

the word “cover” is used again but here in the negative sense

When does this occur in the life of David?

2 Samuel 12:13 “David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die.”

The man received mercy in being forgiven, but it is important to note that is tied to confession

1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

James 5:16 “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

nobody wants to admit it, but if we want relief/mercy from the burden of sin…what do are we gonna have to do?

confess our sins, stop keeping silent about them

A charge to the godly

32:6

what is the charge of David to the godly?

to pray…about what specifically?

their sin!

waters often represented chaos and difficulty in ANE

v. 6-7 indicate that God is a refuge from such things when we come to Him for forgiveness

so far we have sen 2 forms of mercy

1) forgiveness from sin

2) refuge from the chaos and difficulties of the sin stricken world

The 3rd form of mercy

32:8-9

The 3rd form of mercy is godly guidance

2 interpretive options

1) The author is speaking here a teacher to the godly

2) This is a reply from the Lord to David

either way it shows the blessing of godly guidance

v. 9 implies one who learns and adapts from the guidance

Closing Summary

32:10-11

“the wicked” are those who are still concealing their sin

“the one who trusts in the Lord” is the one who has confesses his sin, repented, trusted in the Lord to remove the iniquity

v. 11- we should be glad and rejoice bc of the mercy of our God!!!!