(Psalm 32) Devotional Study

Psalm 32 ESV

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!

1) What are the main ideas of this text?

1) What are the main ideas of this text?

The Forgiven are Happy People. (A Call to Seek Forgiveness from God)

NET: The psalmist recalls the agony he experienced prior to confessing his sins and affirms that true happiness comes when one’s sins are forgiven. He then urges others not to be stubborn, but to turn to God while forgiveness is available, for God extends his mercy to the repentant, while the wicked experience nothing but sorrow.

NET: The psalmist recalls the agony he experienced prior to confessing his sins and affirms that true happiness comes when one’s sins are forgiven. He then urges others not to be stubborn, but to turn to God while forgiveness is available, for God extends his mercy to the repentant, while the wicked experience nothing but sorrow.

ESV Study: The Doctrine: Only the Forgiven Are Truly Happy. Verses 1–2 state the theme, answering the question, “Who is truly happy (or blessed)?

NET: Related to the word blessed; The Hebrew noun is an abstract plural. The word often refers metonymically to the happiness that God-given security and prosperity produce (see , ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ). Here it refers to the relief that one experiences when one’s sins are forgiven.

2) What is unique about this text?

OT text that really emphasizes forgiveness by God.

Sometimes I think of OT as being all about commands and law; but it also had much to say on unmerited forgiveness.

3) What passages really stand out to you?

Yes, really good.

Forgiveness is a blessing we should treasure. (v. 1-2)

The torment of guilt and sin. (v 3-4)(the plea in v. 5 )

The Love of God is one of the greatest comforts/blessings we can enjoy. (v. 5-6)

5) How can we apply this text? (coming days, specific times)

Psalms 1–72, Volume 1 The Text in Context

Paul quotes Genesis 15:6 to remind the Roman church that Abraham’s faith “was credited to him as righteousness” and then follows that up with a quotation of Psalm 32:1–2 (Rom. 4:1–8), where the same verb, “to credit” (hshb), occurs (NIV: “whose sin the LORD does not count [“credit”] against them”).

Don’t be surprised by sin.

Don’t be ashamed to come to God/hardened to come to God.

The personal pain of sin. (it effects us) depression, suicide, fear, panic attacks, anger … the rise of mental health issues points to our need for a Savior.

God’s Forgiveness is always available.

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Shame and guilt can make our bones ache and our hearts despair. (v. 3-4) Sin has a powerful physical, mental, and spiritual effect on our lives. But what is the remedy to this suffering? The steadfast love and forgiveness of God. (v. 1-2, 11) The follower of Christ lives a happier life because he has God to forgive him. Our confession has physical, mental, and spiritual consequences.

[Similar to a more detailed outline by Allen Ross]

: Happy Are the Forgiven.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary A. The Blessing of Forgiveness (32:1–2)

A. The blessing of forgiveness (32:1–2)

1) What are the main ideas of this text?, What is unique about this text?

2) What passages really stand out to you?

A. The blessing of forgiveness. ()

B. The chastening of the unrepentant. ()

3) How can we apply this text? (coming days, specific times)

C. The Advice of the Forgiven ()

Outline:

Barrowed from the Bible Knowledge Commentary.

[Similar to a more detailed outline by Allen Ross]

A. The blessing of forgiveness. ()

B. The chastening of the unrepentant. ()

C. The advice of the forgiven ()

Cross References:

Confession and Prayer:

1. Praise God for his forgiveness (generally and specifically)

2. Confess your need for God’s forgiveness.

Response:

1) Is there a sin you are struggling with? Have you sought the Lord’s forgiveness?

2) What effect does unconfessed sin have on us? (Physical, Mental, Spiritual)

3) How does God’s forgiveness contribute to our happiness? What does God’s forgiveness and steadfast love provide us?