“The Blessedness of Confessing Sin” Lesson 10: Psalm 32

The Blessedness of Confessing Sin Psalm 32 A Psalm of David Described in Hebrew as a “Maschil,” meaning a contemplation or meditation –This word is used only in the headings of 12 Psalms (32, 42, 44, 45, 52, 53, 54, 55, 74, 88, 89, 142) Perhaps in contemplation of the forgiveness David received after his sin with Bathsheeba (2 Samuel 11-12; cf. Psalm 51) A Didactic or teaching Psalm (cf. 32:8) A foreshadowing of the blessedness of forgiveness enjoyed by us today (Romans 4:6-8; 1 John 1:9)

The Blessedness of Confessing Sin Psalm 32 The joy of forgiveness (32:1-2) –“The word rendered forgiven means properly to lift up, to bear, to carry, to carry away; and sin which is forgiven is referred to here as if it were borne away” [Barnes] (Micah 7:19; Psalm 103:12) –The word translated covered means to conceal from view. (Psalm 85:2; 51:9; cf. Prov. 28:13) –Impute means to charge to one’s account. The curse of silence (32:3-4) –Suffering the effects and consequences of sin and experiencing the chastening of God (Psalm 38:1-10; 39:10-11; 1 Cor. 11:30)

The Blessedness of Confessing Sin Psalm 32 The benefit of timely confession (32:5-7) –Acknowledging sins is the path to forgiveness and healing (v. 5, 1 John 1:9-10; James 5:16) –Everyone who is godly will therefore approach God with their sins when they have the opportunity (v. 6; Isaiah 55:6-7) –The result is complete trust in God for safety, preservation and deliverance (v. 7; Psalm 9:9)

The Blessedness of Confessing Sin Psalm 32 The need to completely trust God’s guidance (32:8-9; Psalms 25:8-9; 48:14) –The horse and mule require stern guidance - Proverbs 26:3: “A whip for the horse, A bridle for the donkey, And a rod for the fool's back.” Mercy surrounds the one who trusts God, and he rejoices (32:10-11; Philippians 4:4-5)