By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph.D.
Dean, Office for Global Engagement, University of Mobile
THE CLEANSING
Psalm 32:1–11
In our previous lesson, we surveyed David’s humble confession of sin before God, recorded in Psalm 51. He called upon the Lord to create a clean heart in him and God granted his request. The earlier psalm records David’s understanding that God values brokenness and humility. The current psalm addresses the blessing of that knowledge.
Contrast (1–4)
Joy characterizes the believer in fellowship with God who has been cleansed from transgression, sin, iniquity and deceit. David had experienced crossing the line in his relationship with Bathsheba which included his disobedience to God’s Word not to covet, commit adultery or murder. He knew the paralyzing fear that comes with deception. “Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we purpose to deceive.”
David contrasted his joy that came from repentance and forgiveness with the brittleness and exhaustion previously experienced when he hid his wicked acts. God sent Nathan the prophet to David to confront him, knowing the king was gripped by his sin. In grace, Nathan called out David’s sin and announced God’s sentence (2 Sam. 12). This led to David’s very public confession (Ps. 51).
Confession (5)
Verse five is but a glimpse of the brokenness we see in David’s life once he acknowledged his sin and repented of it. Review Psalm 51 to see the depth of confession before God, the self-humiliation in the presence of holy God. In many ways, it reminds us of Isaiah when he had a glimpse of the holiness of God, leading him to confess of his uncleanness, like a leper before the Lord (Isa. 6).
The apostle John instructs us that if we are unwilling to acknowledge our sin, we deceive ourselves and call God a liar. When we agree with God and honestly forsake our sin, God is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
Counsel (6–9)
David acknowledged that God was his hiding place, his protector and his deliverer. He knew God was under no obligation to forgive him but that He forgives those who trust in Him. Not only did he recognize this truth for himself, but he also gave this counsel to others. Here David is fulfilling what he promised to God in Psalm 51: “Restore the joy of your salvation to me and sustain me by giving me a willing spirit. Then I will teach the rebellious your ways and sinners will return to you” (vv. 12–13).
We too have the opportunity to offer counsel to others. Often our children are as hard-headed as we were and our counsel goes unheeded until they pass the 30-year mark. Sometimes the scars of our past are too deep and others may feel we are disqualified from offering spiritual counsel. To those who will listen, however, God gives ears to hear — even from us who are the chiefs of sinners.
Conclusion (10–11)
Our psalm concludes much like it began: with a contrast. Those who forget and forsake God will come to the end of their life’s journey with no rescue and no hope. “The wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23a). Those who acknowledge God’s deliverance from sin and offer Him thankful hearts in worship experience God’s salvation. “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6:23b).
Thank God for the glorious truth that “we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7b).
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