Psalms 32 · Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
2–3PSALM 32 Psa 32:1-11 . Maschil--literally, "giving instruction." The Psalmist describes the blessings of His forgiveness, succeeding the pains of conviction, and deduces from his own experience instruction and exhortation to others. 1-2. (Compare Ro 4:6 ). forgiven-- literally, "taken away," opposed to retain ( Joh 20:23 ). covered-- so that God no longer regards the sin ( Psa 85:3 ).
4–53-4. A vivid description of felt, but unacknowledged, sin. When-- literally, "for," as in Psa 32:4 .
65. A prompt fulfilment of the purposed confession is followed by a prompt forgiveness.
76. For this-- that is, my happy experience. godly-- pious in the sense of Psa 4:3 . a time-- ( Is 55:6 ); when God's Spirit inclines us to seek pardon, He is ready to forgive. floods, &c.-- denotes great danger ( Psa 18:17 ; 66:12 ).
87. His experience illustrates the statement of Psa 32:6 .
98. Whether, as most likely, the language of David (compare Psa 51:13 ), or that of God, this is a promise of divine guidance. I will ... mine eye-- or, My eye shall be on thee, watching and directing thy way.
109. The latter clause, more literally, "in that they come not near thee"; that is, because they will not come, &c., unless forced by bit and bridle.
1110. The sorrows of the impenitent contrasted with the peace and safety secured by God's mercy.