With a fervour which is unmistakably the fruit of experience the Psalmist describes the blessedness of forgiveness, and teaches that penitence is the indispensable condition for receiving it (Psalms 32:1-2). He had sinned grievously, and so long as he refused to acknowledge his sin he suffered inwar... [ Continue Reading ]
The blessedness of forgiveness. See Romans 4:6 ff. for St Paul's use of these verses. _Blessed_ Or, _Happy_. Cp. Psalms 1:1. The first beatitude of the Psalter is pronounced on an upright life; but since "there is no man that sinneth not" (1 Kings 8:46), there is another beatitude reserved for true... [ Continue Reading ]
The illustration of this truth from the Psalmist's own experience. He kept silence, refusing to acknowledge his sin to himself and to God; but meanwhile God did not leave him to himself (Job 33:16 ff.); His chastening hand was heavy upon him (Psalms 38:2; Psalms 39:10), making itself felt partly by... [ Continue Reading ]
The way of restoration. Lit. _I began to make known to thee my sin, and mine iniquity did I not cover_. The tense of the first verb graphically represents the confession being made (Psalms 25:8, note): the second verb is the same as that in Psalms 32:1. Not until man ceases to hide his sin will it b... [ Continue Reading ]
An exhortation based upon experience. _For this_&c. Rather, Therefore let every one &c. _in a time when thou mayest be found_ This is the most probable explanation of the Heb., which means literally _in a time of finding_, and is obscure from its brevity. So "in a time of acceptance" (Psalms 69:13)... [ Continue Reading ]
The Psalmist addresses Jehovah, appropriating to himself the promise of the preceding verse. _my hiding place_ The same word as in Psalms 27:5; Psalms 31:20; Psalms 91:1. _thou shalt preserve me_&c. Thou wilt guard me (Psalms 12:7; Psalms 25:21; Psalms 31:23) from distress (Psalms 31:9); thou wilt... [ Continue Reading ]
Who is the speaker? The Psalmist or God? Most commentators suppose that it is the Psalmist, who now assumes the part of teacher, as in Psalms 34:11, and fulfils the promise of Psalms 51:13. But surely it must be God who speaks in answer to the Psalmist's profession of trust. Would any human teacher... [ Continue Reading ]
A warning addressed to all not to resist God's will, and neglect instruction. Be not like horse like mule with no understanding, With trappings of bit and bridle must they be curbed: Else will they not come near unto thee. The Heb. is obscure and possibly corrupt in some points; but the general... [ Continue Reading ]
The warning given in the preceding verse is confirmed by the contrast between the lot of the ungodly and the faithful. _many sorrows_ Calamities and chastisements. The LXX has μάστιγες, _scourges_. Cp. Job 33:19. _mercy_ Lovingkindness (Psalms 31:7; Psalms 31:16; Psalms 31:21; Psalms 33:5; Psalms 3... [ Continue Reading ]
Cp. Psalms 5:11; Psalms 33:1; Nehemiah 8:10; Philippians 3:1; Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16. All kindred spirits must share the joy of a pardoned soul, and rejoice in the contemplation of God's gracious dealings with His people.... [ Continue Reading ]