Psalm 32 is categorized as a “maskil” in the title superscript, but the exact meaning of this word is still undecided. Some clues come from:
- Verse 8 where this same psalm uses the same root word which is translated “let me teach you.” This sense of “teach” and “instruct” matches the tone of this Psalm 32 which is a didactic psalm, or an instructional psalm. (This is similar to the intent of Psalm 78:1. Also, consider Psalm 42, Psalm 44 and Psalm 45.)
- Amos 5:13 the word “maskil” is translated as "prudent".
- Some commentators suggest “maskill” means:
- A psalm for meditation
- A psalm of understanding
- A psalm of skill
Psalm 32 is indeed a Psalm that shares the instruction of a man who has experienced and discerned truth. In this case, David explains the effect of his transgression and how he navigated his way through the chaos and darkness to gain restored fellowship with the Lord and find deliverance and victory.
The instruction begins in verse 1 by identifying the ultimate principle which is this: The blessed state, or the true happiness, is having your sins forgiven. (Note: there is no assumption that sinlessness is even an option nor is living free from sin presented as an option.) The focus is on the fact that it doesn’t get any better than having your sins forgiven.
Humans are introduced as sinning in three basic ways:
- “transgressions which is rebellion towards God
- “sin” which is a turning away or missing the target demanded by God
- “iniquity” which is guilt before God
Human evil is thus identified and introduced as universal, but it is also presented with the hope that there is an opportunity of your sin being “lifted,” “covered,” and “not counted.”
It is interesting that a fourth sin, “deceit,” is also introduced, but it is not given any option of being lifted, covered, removed or forgiven. This is true because the existence of deceit prevents the human spirit from honestly identifying personal sin. Without the ability to honestly evaluate personal sin there is no possible way to confess that sin. The deceitful spirit will try to justify the iniquity, hide the sin, and reject the Lord’s authority.
32:3-4 detail the results of the sinner failing to confess their sin. They fail to have their sins forgiven because they remain silent refusing to confess their sin. This position advances their program of deceit. The hidden sin of the deceitful sinner effects their body and their emotions. At the same time, the conviction of the Lord weighs down their soul.
But, when the sinner identified their sin and confessed their sin to the Lord instead of covering it with deceit, the Lord willingly forgave the broken sinner. (32:5-6)
This psalm is written with a selah inserted. A selah is the time during the public singing of this psalm that the singing of the lyrics stops while the playing of the music continues. A selah was a time for the worshipper to meditated silently and consider the meaning of the words just sung and make personal application of these truths to their own life.
After a time of reflection, while the background music played (or during the selah), the psalmists appeals to all sinners (thus, all mankind) in 32:8-9. The Psalmists asks the listening congregation to receive this instruction and to not be like a horse or a mule who must be controlled with a bridle.
The sinner can only be free and blessed if they honestly identify their sin to the Lord. Without confession the sinner will never be free, but will instead be bridled and saddled by the Lord like a horse is bridled and saddled by a rider who forces the horse wherever the rider desires. |
