Psalm 32 Commentary

Psalm 32 Commentary

The psalms are unique in their portrayal of mortals. We often see two personalities: The righteous and the wicked.

‎‎But if you look closely, the righteous and the wicked are the same. Verse 5 gives us a sinful David who confesses his sin and receives forgiveness.

‎‎While in his sinful state, David is a wicked man who causes pain and suffering in the lives of others. The story of David and Bathsheba is a good example. His actions were the actions of a wicked man.

‎But confession and subsequent forgiveness transition David from darkness to light, from wickedness to righteousness.

‎There isn’t a permanent label, “Wicked” on anyone’s heart. Confession, repentance, and forgiveness from the LORD all combine to transition someone from one state to the other.

‎There is blessedness in forgiveness. Verse 1.

‎‎The equation contains an acknowledgement of sin by the sinner to the LORD, confession by the sinner before the LORD, and then forgiveness from the LORD. Verse 5.

‎‎Then the psalmist can pray for deliverance from trouble – trouble caused by obstinate, stiff-necked wicked people.

We can zoom in and see two sets of trouble for the psalmist. The first set comes from the LORD as punishment from the LORD for his sins. Verse 4.

The second set comes from the wrongdoing by the wicked people. Wrongdoing would include violence, murder, injustice… These cause pain and suffering to others.

Generally speaking, the psalms are clear about pain and suffering. It could result from a lack of peace. Verses 2 and 3. It could also be pain inflicted by wickedness – wickedness of others and by others.

When the psalmist prays for salvation from trouble, you guess he means trouble from others. Definitely, it cannot be trouble that comes from the LORD as punishment. Trouble from the LORD is dealt with by acknowledgment, confession, and repentance.

Of course, the psalms also give us glimpses of a special type of suffering where the victim is innocent, enduring trouble for God’s sake.

Regardless, godly men and women are encouraged to seek the LORD in times of “trouble”. Never mind the type of trouble. You know what to do depending on the type of trouble.

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