Psalm 32

Boice claims that a "maskil" is a psalm of instruction. I hadn't read that before, but in some sense most all of the Psalms are words of instruction. Boice claims Psalm 32 to be the instructing of others promised in Psalm 51:13, and that this psalm was written a good while after the fifty-first -- after a long period of reflection. Perhaps he is right, I cannot say. But David does begin with a heartfelt expression of confidence is the forgiving nature of Almighty God. Paul, in fact, quotes the first two verses in Romans 4 as further proof that justification is by faith alone.

David recounts the experience of keeping sin locked up within; denying it to others and even to himself. Then in verse 5, he tells of confessing followed by forgiveness. "You are my hiding place; You will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance." That's a wonderful statement of confidence, forged by many experiences with God's deliverance.

Verses 8-10 read like instructions (Don't be a mule!). Finally a call for rejoicing and singing to all those who are upright in heart -- not simply upright, for none of us are. This ties itself back to the opening lines, remarking about our transgressions being forgiven and our sins being covered. That's when we are truly blessed.