By Jay T. Robertson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, University of Mobile
GOD’S FORGIVENESS
Psalm 32:1–11
Psalm 32 is one of the seven penitential psalms in the Book of Psalms. In this psalm David spoke directly about the devastating power of unconfessed sin in the life of a believer. As observed in the life of David, sin committed against God leads to sorrow and loss of vitality. But as also witnessed in David’s life, confession leads to restoration of joy as well as a passion for living for the glory of God. Confessing our sin is a vital part of abiding in Christ.
Joy (1–2)
The first stanza begins on a jubilant note, expressing the joy of the person whose sin has been forgiven.
David’s joy in the Lord had been renewed when the Lord forgave his transgression and covered his sin. A transgression is a deliberate act of rebellion, and a sin is a failure to meet God’s standard of holy behavior. “Forgiveness” means “to be lifted up, to be lifted off, to take away.” God lifted and removed the heavy weight of David’s guilt and its penalty from upon him and removed David’s sin from out of His sight. Hallelujah!
God graciously chose not to count David’s sin against him, meaning that the debt he owed and the punishment he deserved were no longer on God’s ledger. By acknowledging and confessing his sin to the Lord, David no longer lived a life of deceit. Coming clean before God results in a life of blessedness.
Forgiveness (3–5)
The second stanza shifts from the present to the past. David referred to the time he had sinned against Bathsheba and Uriah and had kept silent and refused to confess his sin to God. While David’s conscience was troubled by what he did, he still refused to confess his sin, and his body became sick. His physical stamina and vitality were drained because the Lord’s hand was heavy on him. God inflicted physical discipline upon David’s body to lead him to repentance.
Verse 5 is the pivotal verse in the psalm. David agreed with God about his sin, with no more excuses and no more covering up what he had done. Confession of sin to God is acknowledging one’s sin with contrition because of its offensiveness to God.
When David confessed his sin to God, God immediately forgave the guilt of his sin. David no longer had a guilty standing before God. David’s fellowship with God was restored!
Instruction (6–11)
Having experienced God’s forgiveness, David encouraged believers to go to God to confess their sins and seek His forgiveness. When believers keep short accounts with God by not allowing unconfessed sin to linger, they can avoid His discipline that can come suddenly, like floodwaters.
When believers trust in the Lord as their hiding place, He will protect them from the overwhelming guilt of sin. Believers who confess and repent of their sins are surrounded by songs of deliverance. From the depths of despair to the heights of praise, this psalm is a song of deliverance.
Verse 8 and the remainder of the stanza was written as if God were speaking directly to the restored individual, promising to “instruct,” “show the way” and “counsel” him. In other words, God will continually watch over us. If we persist in sin, we will become like brute animals and experience many pains. But if we listen to God and obey Him, we will be able to rejoice in God.
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