Psalm XXXII
(cf. Psalm 22. 3), used as name (Exodus 3. 15; Psalm 135. 13). 5. Relatively, the longest experience of Divine anger by the pious is momentary. These precious words have consoled millions. 6, 7. wiiat particular prosperity Is meant we do not know. Perhaps his accession to the throne. In his self-complacent elation he was checked by God's hiding His face (cf. Psalm 22. 2-1; 27. 9). trouble*! — confounded with fear (Psalm 2. 5). 8-11. As In Psalm 6. 5; 88. 10; Isaiah .38. 18, the appeal for mercy is based on the destruction of his agency in praising God here, which deatli would produce. The terms expressing relief are poetical, and not to be pressed, though dancing Is the translation of a word which means a lute, whose cheerful notes are contrasted with monrning, or (Amos 5. 16) walling, sackclotli— was used, even by kings, in distress (1 Chronicles 21. 10; Isaiali 37. 1); but gladness, used for a garment, shows the language to be figurative. Iti. Though —my— is suppll(Kl before—glory—It Is better as I'salm 16.
Ver. 1-11. Maschil—lit., 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. (Cf. Romans 4. 6.) forgiven— /i7., taken away^ opposed to retain (.lohn "20. 2;i). covered—so that God no longer regards the sin (I'salm 85. 3). Imputelh—charge to him, and treat him accordingly, no guile ov, deceit, no false estliiL-vtc of himself, nor insincerity before God (cf. Romans 8. 1). 3, 4. A vivid description of felt but unacknowledged sin. when lit., for, as v. 4. thy hand of God, or, power In distressing liim (Psalin ;?8. 2). moisture—vital juices of the bod.v, the parching heat of which expresses the anguish of the soul. On the other figures,
cf. Psalm 6. 2, 7; 31. 9-11. If composed on the occasion of the fifty-first Psalm, this distress may have been protracted for several months. 5. A prompt fulfilment of the purposed confession Is followed by a prompt forgiveness. O. For this i. e., my happy experience, godly pious In the sense of Psalm 4.3. a time—(Isaiah 55. 6)
10, to receive It as used for tongue, the organ of praise. The ultimate end of God's mercies to us Is our praise to Him. PSALM XXXI. Ver. 1-21. The prayer of a believer In time of deep distress. In the first part, cries for help are mingled with expressions of confidence. Then the detail of griefs engrosses his nttention, till, In the assurance of strong but submissis-e faith, ho rises to the language of unmlngled Joyful trust, and exhorts others to like love and confldenre towards God.
when God's Spirit Inclines us to seek i>ardon. He Is ready to forgive, floodii, Ac—denote great danger (I'salm 18. 17;
00. 12). 7. His experience Illustrates the slatemcnt of v.
6. 8. Whether, as most likely, the language of David (cf. Psalm 51. 13), or that of God, this Is a promise of Divine guidance. I will . . . mine eye—or, 7)i,(/ o.yo shall bo on thee, watching and directing thy way. 0. The latter clause, more literally, "in that Ihry come not near thee"—i.
e., because tliey will not come, Ac, unless forced by 1)1 1 and bridle. 10. The sorrows of the Impenitent contrasted with the peace and aafety scoured by God's mercy. U«
1. expresses the general tone of feeling of the Psalm. He .seeics help in God a righteous goverumeut (Psalm
God to he Praisedfor His Goodness, etc. PSALMS XXXIII—XXXVI. An Appealfor Proteclion.
57. 15). 30. bones—framework of the body. 31, 22. Contrast in tlje destiny of righteous and wicked ; the former shall be delivered and never come into condemnatioa (John 5. 24; Ifomans 8. 1), the latter left under condemnation and desolate.
The righteous and upright, or those conforming to the Divine teaching for securing the Divine blessing, may well rejoice with shouting.