PSALM XXXII _True blessedness consists in remission of sin, and purification_ _of the heart_, 1, 2. _What the psalmist felt in seeking these blessings_, 3-5. _How they should be sought_, 6, 7. _The necessity of humility and teachableness_, 8, 9. _The misery of the wicked_, 10. _The blessednes... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 32:3. _WHEN I KEPT SILENCE_] Before I humbled myself, and confessed my sin, my soul was under the deepest horror. "I roared all the day long;" and felt the hand of God heavy upon my soul.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 32:5. _I ACKNOWLEDGED MY SIN_] When this confession was made thoroughly and sincerely, and I ceased to _cover_ and _extenuate my_ _offence_, then thou didst forgive the iniquity of my sin. I felt the hardness of heart: I felt the deep distress of soul; I felt power to confess and abhor... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 32:6. _FOR THIS SHALL EVERY ONE THAT IS GODLY_] Because thou art merciful; because thou hast shown mercy to all who have truly turned to thee, and believed in thee; every one who fears thee, and hears of this, _shall pray unto thee_ in an acceptable time, _when thou mayest be found_; in... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 32:7. _THOU_ ART _MY HIDING PLACE_] An allusion, probably, to the _city of refuge_: "Thou shalt preserve me from trouble." The avenger of blood shall not be able to overtake me. And being encompassed with an impregnable wall, I shall feel myself _encompassed with_ _songs of deliverance... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 32:8. _I WILL INSTRUCT THEE_] These are probably the Lord's words to David. Seeing thou art now sensible of the mercy thou hast received from me, and art purposing to live to my glory, I will give thee all the assistance requisite. I will become thy _Instructor_, "and will teach thee,... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 32:9. _BE YE NOT AS THE HORSE_ OR _AS THE MULE_] They will only act by _force_ and _constraint_; be not like _them_; give a _willing_ _service_ to your Maker. "They have no understanding;" you have a _rational soul_, made to be guided and influenced by _reason_. The service of your God... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 32:10. _MANY SORROWS_ SHALL BE _TO THE WICKED_] Every _wicked_ man is a _miserable_ man. God has wedded sin and misery as strongly as he has holiness and happiness. God hath joined them together; none can put them asunder. _BUT HE THAT TRUSTETH IN THE LORD_] Such a person is both safe... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 32:11. _BE GLAD - AND REJOICE_] Let every _righteous soul_ rejoice and glory, but let it be _in the Lord_. Man was made for _happiness_, but his happiness must be founded on holiness: and holiness, as it comes from God, must be retained by continual union with him. Probably this verse b... [ Continue Reading ]