Down to Earth But Heavenly Minded

What does Psalms Chapter 32 mean?

When David committed sin with Bathsheba, then sinned further trying to cover up his crimes, God brought intense misery into his life. It was not until Nathan, a prophet, rebuked David that he finally admitted his guilt before the Lord and found forgiveness (2 Samuel 11—12). This psalm corresponds to Psalm 51, which was David’s initial response to Nathan’s righteous accusation. In Psalm 32, David reflects on the blessing of divine forgiveness. That self-examination is likely part of the meaning of the Hebrew term Maskiyl, likely referring to a specific type of musical arrangement.

The psalm begins with David expressing the relief which comes with being forgiven of sin. This can only come when a person confesses to God and accepts that their actions were wrong. Resisting that admission cost David intense emotional and physical distress. God’s conviction is unpleasant, but it’s part of His mercy (Hebrews 12:6). Forcing a person to confront their own sin leads to repentance, restoration, and growth (1 John 1:8–10). When there is no admission of sin, that relationship remains strained (Psalm 32:1–4).

Confession before God leads to relief. Those who sincerely seek God (John 3:36) can anticipate being forgiven when they acknowledge sin and repent. David encourages others to do the same as he has done (Psalm 32:5–7).

The advice offered next is subject to some level of debate. Interpreters disagree as to whether verses 8 and 9 are “spoken” from the perspective of David, or as God. Neither option changes the truth, meaning, or application of the verses. True wisdom starts with an acknowledgement of God’s truth (Proverbs 1:7). Reacting negatively to good counsel is foolish and leads to even more suffering. Those who trust in God’s knowledge are not free from all troubles (John 16:33), but they can be assured of His loving care amid those circumstances (Psalm 32:8–9).

The psalm concludes with an encouragement for praise. Compared to those who stubbornly refuse to admit their sin, humble and godly people have every reason to rejoice in God. Receiving forgiveness of sin not only results in an immediate restoration of our relationship with God, but it also gives reasons for us to celebrate (Psalm 32:10–11).

Chapter Context
Psalm 32 follows David’s confession of the sins of adultery and murder. Psalm 51 records his initial response when confronted by the prophet Nathan. The background of David’s sin, Nathan’s rebuke, and the aftermath are found in 2 Samuel 11—12. For some undisclosed time, David refused to acknowledge his sin, but when he finally confessed it, the Lord graciously forgave him.

Verse by Verse

Verse 1. Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,whose sin is covered.

David calls himself (Psalm 32:3) “blessed.” In Psalm 1:1 the word “blessed” describes the obedient person, whereas here it describes the disobedient person who receives forgiveness. Many commentators associate this psalm with David’s sins of adultery, coverup, and murder as recorded in 2 Samuel chapters 11 and 12. This would also connect to Psalm 51, which was inspired by David’s confrontation with the prophet Nathan.

David refers to his sin as a “transgression,” literally meaning “crossing the line.” The term is also used in reference to things like property; a related word is “trespass.” God set clear lines, commanding, “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13) and also, “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14). David also identifies transgression as “sin,” often summarized as “missing the mark.” God set the mark as righteousness, but David fell far short when he committed adultery and murder.

In Old Testament times atonement refers to the covering of sin. In New Testament times, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross did not simply cover sin, it removed it entirely. Colossians 2:14 refers to Christ’s setting the believer’s sin aside, “nailing it to the cross.”

The Hebrew term Maskiyl is not clearly understood. It most likely refers to a particular type of song. Many passages labeled with this word are self-reflective, such as Psalms 32, 52, and 89.

Context Summary
Psalm 32:1–4 expresses David’s relief and happiness once God forgave his sin (Psalm 51:1). He recalls the misery he felt when he refused to acknowledge and confess his wrongdoing. David’s resistance to admitting his sin imposed dire consequences: physical distress and relentless conviction. This is one of the ways in which God communicates to His believers when they need to repent of sin.

Verse 2. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

In this verse David writes again (Psalms 32:1) about the blessedness of the person whom God has forgiven. He most likely is thinking of his own experience (Psalm 32:3) with deep moral failure (2 Samuel 11—12). David resisted admitting his own guilt and suffered the consequences.

The word iniquity means something twisted or warped, or to a path which deviates from the intended course. Sinning reveals a twisted heart and mind (Jeremiah 17:9). Instead of hating sin and resisting temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13), the sinful heart and mind are warped. It sees sin as desirable instead of destructive. But the repentant believer (John 3:16–18) receives full pardon for his sin (John 3:36). That full pardon requires an admission of guilt, however—to stubbornly ignore our own sin is to leave our relationship with God strained (1 John 1:8–10).

According to this verse, the Lord does not count moral errors against the believer who honestly and sincerely confesses them. This statement reminds us the believer is justified: standing before God just as if the sin had never occurred at all. Romans 3:24 affirms that believers “are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 1:6–7 attributes the blessings of forgiveness and acceptance to redemption which only comes through the blood of Christ. David experienced forgiveness when he stopped being deceitful (Psalm 51:3–4).

Verse 3. For when I kept silent, my bones wasted awaythrough my groaning all day long.

David tried to keep his sin of adultery secret (2 Samuel 11:2–5). After learning Bathsheba was pregnant, he brought Uriah, her husband and a soldier, home from the battle zone. David assumed she and her husband would have intercourse and everyone would assume that the husband was the father of the unborn child. But the plan didn’t work (2 Samuel 11:6–13). Later, David gave orders to move Uriah to the frontline, arranging for him to be killed in battle (1 Samuel 11:14–15). He then took Bathsheba as his own wife.

For some time after, David continued to deny and ignore his sin, but his failure to repent and confess caused him physical distress. In ancient Hebrew thinking, the bones were the most essential essence of a person’s physical body. For the bones to “waste away” implied intense sickness. The Lord was chastening him. Sin has consequences. In David’s case, it brought emotional and physical pain. Although not all sickness is the result of sinning, a believer may become weak if he refuses to repent. Paul wrote that some Corinthians were weak and sickly because they partook of the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner (1 Corinthians 11:27–30).

It was not until Nathan, a prophet, directly confronted David that he finally broke down and repented (2 Samuel 12:1–15). This inspired David to write Psalm 51.

Verse 4. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah

Believers who sin experience “conviction:” God’s spiritual reminder, associated with guilt, which makes a person aware of their own wrongdoing (John 16:8). Those who have placed their faith in Christ (John 3:36) can admit their sin and repent (1 John 1:8–10), being assured that in Christ they have complete forgiveness. Their fellowship with God can be restored. Until then, God’s discipline can come in many forms, including the physical and emotional burdens of conviction (Revelation 3:19).

God’s hand weighed heavily on David, because of his grievous sin (2 Samuel 11—12). Just as scorching heat and sunlight can shrivel a plant, David’s physical stamina vanished. Instead of being full of energy and physical prowess (Psalm 144:1), David felt like a withered old man. God was convicting David of his sin, but David refused to repent. According to Psalm 51:12 he lost the joy of his salvation.

Today, when a believer sins, the Holy Spirit convicts with the purpose of inspiring repentance and confession. Fortunately, our God is a pardoning God. Micah 7:18 assures us He pardons iniquity and passes over transgression. First John 1:9 encourages believers to confess their sins, because God is “faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Verse 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

The Lord sent the prophet Nathan to David to expose his sins and bring about confession and forgiveness (2 Samuel 12). David responded by confessing his sin, and subsequently the Lord forgave him (2 Samuel 12:13; Psalm 51:1). Here, David correctly identifies his sins as “transgressions.” This is a term which literally means to “cross lines” and is related to concepts such as “trespassing.” He had purposely breached boundaries the Lord had set regarding sins such as adultery and murder (Exodus 20:13–14).

It is important to note that David confessed his transgressions to God—whether he admitted them to other people was not a concern (1 John 1:8–10). God alone can forgive sin. When Jesus healed a paralyzed man, He also forgave the man’s sins. The scribes and Pharisees strongly objected to the pronounced forgiveness. They asked, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Luke 5:21). Of course, Jesus was God incarnate with the power not only to heal the paralyzed man but also to forgive him. Anyone who seeks forgiveness must call on the one who can forgive sin (John 3:36).

Context Summary
Psalm 32:5–7 comes after David noted the blessing of being forgiven of sin (Psalm 51:1). That forgiveness—in response to confession and repentance before God—alleviated the pain associated with stubborn disobedience. Now David relates what the Lord did when he confessed his sin. He also encourages godly people to pray so they can receive the benefit of calling on the Lord.

Verse 6. Therefore let everyone who is godlyoffer prayer to you at a time when you may be found;surely in the rush of great waters,they shall not reach him.

No one should procrastinate about calling on the name of the Lord. In this context, “calling” on Him means to seek God in sincerity and prayer, admitting our sin and repenting (2 Corinthians 7:9–10; Romans 10:13). Proverbs 27:1 warns against thinking tomorrow is secure. “Do not boast about tomorrow,” this verse instructs, adding, “for you do not know what a day may bring.” A person who thinks they can wait to submit to God until later is playing a dangerous, foolish game (Luke 12:19–20).

That sense of urgency is implied when David urges the godly pray to the Lord when He “may be found.” Flooding is a common metaphor for great troubles or unexpected catastrophes. Although the Lord doesn’t spare believers from every earthly trouble (John 16:33), He works everything for their good (Romans 8:28–30). Trials are not meant to crush believers, but to reveal the genuineness of their faith (1 Peter 1:6–7). Job encountered many tragedies and hardships; these were catastrophic, but not insurmountable or without purpose. They led to a revelation of God’s power and glory and to a double blessing for Job (Job 42:10–17).

Verse 7. You are a hiding place for me;you preserve me from trouble;you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah

The Lord adds protection to forgiveness. In this context, this refers to God keeping His people from the distress of conviction. Unconfessed sin creates discomfort in the spirit of a believer (Revelation 3:19; Hebrews 12:6; Psalm 32:1–4). David tried to hide his sins from the Lord; doing so led to great distress. However, when he confessed his sins and received forgiveness (1 John 1:8–10), he found a secure relationship with God (Psalm 51:1).

Using military imagery, David regarded himself as surrounded by the enemy but delivered by the Lord. The deliverance brought shouts of deliverance. Paul perceived the Christian life as under attack from a sinister enemy, the Devil. However, he recognized that victory comes from employing spiritual weapons and prayer. Paul assured the Christians at Rome that believers are on the winning team! He exulted: “We are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).

Verse 8. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

Prior verses noted the blessing of being forgiven of sin (Psalm 32:1–4) and the painful experience which comes from resisting God’s conviction of sin (Psalm 32:5–7). Here, the advice being given might come from God, or from David. The practical application is the same, regardless of who is meant to be speaking these words. Commentators differ on which is intended but agree on the overall meaning of the passage.

Those who follow godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7) can expect to learn the best way to live life (Proverbs 8:34–36). David disregarded God’s plan by sinning (Psalm 51:1). A loving parent keeps his eyes on his child. He sees where the child endangers himself, perhaps by not looking as he crosses the street. Then the parent calls to the child and tells him what to do.

How does the Lord teach and guide believers? Jesus said He goes before His sheep and they follow Him (John 10:4). The apostle Peter indicates that Christ left us an example, so that we might follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:21). Jesus’ life and complete submission to the Father, therefore, teaches and guides believers. Further, the Scriptures provide instruction so believers can be what God wants them to be and do what He wants them to do (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Psalm 119:105 testifies, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” And, of course, the indwelling Holy Spirit guides and transforms believers (Romans 8:26–30; 1 Corinthains 2:10–16; Philippians 2:12–13).

Context Summary
Psalm 32:8–9 is interpreted differently by various scholars. These could be seen as the words of God, speaking to David and others willing to confess their sins. Or they could be David’s own words as he applies his experience with confession (Psalm 32:1–2; Psalm 51:1) through the role of a teacher. In either case, these contain good advice and warn against reacting negatively to good counsel. The psalm has so far praised the Lord’s forgiveness and protection (Psalm 32:5–7). Now these verses include a promise and a prohibition.

Verse 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.

There is debate among scholars as to the “voice” used here. One interpretation is that God directly speaks these words. The other is that the words are presented from the perspective of David. In either case, the advice is sound, and the application is the same. The promise given here extends to everyone who faithfully submits to godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; 3:1–6). A major theme of this Psalm has been the misery which God inflicts (Revelation 3:19) on those who refuse to acknowledge their sin (Psalm 32:1–4). This corresponds to the coarse methods used to control unreasoning animals, such as bits and bridles.

When David desired Bathsheba and committed adultery with her, he acted as senseless and out of control as an unbroken horse or mule. His animal-like behavior in the murder of Bathsheba’s husband also showed that he was disobedient and out of control. Isaiah 53:6 compares disobedient people to sheep that have gone astray. To restore David, the Lord chastened him and convicted him of his moral failure. Chastening is an indicator of the Lord’s faithful love (Hebrews 12:6). Without chastening, an unruly believer would continue sinning and forfeit the Lord’s blessings.

Verse 10. Many are the sorrows of the wicked,but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord.

David describes the wicked as having many sorrows. In this Psalm, he has noted the conviction and misery which come along with unconfessed, unrepentant sin (Psalm 32:1–4). David experienced that thanks to his own deep moral failure (Psalm 51. To follow God and avoid suffering the consequences of sin (Proverbs 8:34–36), one must be open to God’s loving correction (Psalm 32:8–9).

From the fall of Adam and Eve, mankind has been on a perpetual hunt for happiness somewhere other than in God. That search always ends in emptiness and sorrow. Solomon searched for satisfaction in several places, but his search was unsuccessful. He concluded that everything short of God—anything “under the sun”—is “vanity,” meaning transitory or empty. He finally found life’s meaning and happiness in God and advised others to “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, ‘I have no pleasure in them’” (Ecclesiastes 12:1).

Unbelievers who reject God must expect to receive many sorrows. Some of those come through earthly consequences, others don’t become clear until eternity. By contrast, those who trust in the Lord live in the circle of God’s unfailing love. As Psalm 1:1–2 points out, the person who rejects evil but delights in the Lord and His Word is “blessed.”

Context Summary
Psalm 32:10–11 concludes on a high, positive note. David contrasts the condition of the wicked with the condition of those who trust in the Lord. This comes in the context of those who recognize their sin, admit it to God, and receive forgiveness as a result. His final verse calls upon the righteous to rejoice and shout for joy.

Verse 11. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous,and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

Addressing his fellow believers, David calls upon them to be glad in the Lord. This is different than merely being “happy,” as the emphasis is on a trusting obedience to God. Those who are “in the Lord” have reasons for joy which transcend earthly concerns, even as those trials are endured (Romans 8:18). When someone understands the blessing of God’s forgiveness (Psalm 32:1–2), it should result in intense joy.

Just as David praised the Lord for surrounding him with shouts of deliverance (Psalm 32:7), he now sees reason to celebrate thanks to the Lord’s unfailing love which envelops the righteous (Psalm 32:10). David found that stubborn refusal to admit sin drains one’s joy, and even physical health (Psalm 32:3–4; Psalm 51:12). Yet he also found good reasons to rejoice in the Lord. The New Testament counterpart to this statement is Philippians 4:4, which commands us to “rejoice in the Lord always.” Even in extremely grim times, a believer may choose to look around him and be sad or look up to the Lord and be glad.

This psalm presents four good reasons for a forgiven believer (John 3:36) to rejoice in the Lord. First is forgiveness of sin (Psalm 32:1–2, 5). Second is God’s protection through those challenging times (Psalm 32:6–7). Next is the Lord’s guidance (Psalm 32:8–9). Finally, there is His unfailing love (Psalm 32:10).

End of Psalm 32

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