psalm-32:1-5,-luke-15:2-niv

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 32:1-11

Divine forgiveness. This psalm is one of those historically established as David's. £ It has long been a favourite with the greatest saints, who are the very ones that own themselves the greatest sinners. Luther referred to it as one of his special psalms. So Dr. Chalmers, who, it is said, could scarcely read its first three verses without tears filling his eyes. The compression necessary to keep this work within moderate limits renders it impossible to do more than point out how it... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 32:2

Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity . "Iniquity"—the defilement of the sinner's own soul by sin—is not at once removable; if removable at all, it is only so by long lapse of time, and God's special mercy. But God can, at his own will and at any moment, "not impute" it—not count it against the sinner to his detriment. Then in God's sight the man is clean; it is as though the iniquity were not there. And in whose spirit there is no guile; i.e. no false seeming—no... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 32:3

When I kept silence ; i.e. so long as I did not acknowledge my sin—while I remained silent about it, quite aware that I hod sinned grievously, suffering in conscience, but not confessing it even to myself. The time spoken of is that which immediately followed the commission of the adultery, and which continued until Nathan uttered the words, "Thou art the man!" ( 2 Samuel 12:7 ). My bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long ; i.e. I suffered grievous pain, both bodily and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 32:3

Hindrances to confession of sin. "I kept silence." I. PRIDE . Men cannot bear to think themselves wrong—to put themselves down on the common level; still less, below those who have sought and obtained pardon. This pride is itself a great sin ( James 4:6 ; 1 Timothy 3:4 ), II. WANT OF HONESTY OF CONSCIENCE . Even proper self-respect should make one say, "Anything rather than self-deception! Let me know the truth of myself!" III. INDOLENCE . Many are busy... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 32:4

For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me . David sees now that his sufferings at this time came from God, and were a part of the punishment of his sin. They continued without intermission both by day and by night. His conscience was never wholly at rest. My moisture is turned into the drought of summer; literally, my sap was changed through summer drought ; i.e. the vital principle, which had been strong in him, was changed—burnt up and exhausted—by the heat of God's wrath. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 32:5

I acknowledged my sin unto thee . Conscience once fully awakened, all reticence was broken down. David confessed his sin fully and freely—confessed it as "sin," as "transgression,'' and as "iniquity" (compare the comment on Psalms 32:1 ). And mine iniquity have I not hid; rather, did I not hide. I did not attempt to gloss over or conceal the extent of my guilt, but laid my soul bare before thee. Hengstenberg well remarks that the psalmist is probably not speaking of a "making known... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 32:5

Confession of sin. Let men argue as they please against the Bible; they cannot deny or alter the fact that this book has a power of laying hold on the heart and conscience, unrivalled and unique. One reason is its penetrating knowledge of human nature; another, its deep and wide sympathy. Oar interest is quickened, sympathy roused, because we are presented, not with abstract truth, dry dogma, but with living experience. Conscience can be impartial, judgment cool, because it is another's... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 32:1

Blessed is he ... - On the meaning of the word “blessed,” see the notes at Psalms 1:1. See the passage explained in the notes at Romans 4:7-8. The word “blessed” here is equivalent to “happy.” “Happy is the man;” or “happy is the condition - the state of mind - happy are the prospects, of one whose sins are forgiven.” His condition is happy or blessed:(a) as compared with his former state, when he was pressed or bowed down under a sense of guilt;(b) in his real condition, as that of a pardoned... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 32:2

Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity - Whose sin is not “reckoned” to him, or “charged” on him. The reference here is “to his own sin.” The idea is not, that he is happy on whom God does not charge the guilt of other men, but that he is happy who is not charged “with his own guilt,” or who is treated as if he had no guilt; that is, as if he were innocent. This is the true idea of justification. It is, that a man, although he is a sinner, and “is conscious” of having... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 32:3

When I kept silence - The psalmist now proceeds to state his condition of mind before he himself found this peace, or before he had this evidence of pardon; the state in which he felt deeply that he was a sinner, yet was unwilling to confess his sin, and attempted to conceal it in his own heart. This he refers to by the expression, “When I kept silence;” that is, before I confessed my sin, or before I made mention of it to God. The condition of mind was evidently this: he had committed sin, but... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 32:1-11

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 32:2

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 32:3

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 32:3

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 32:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 32:5

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 32:5

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 32:1

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 32:2

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 32:3

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