We can repeat the words of many psalms as our own. This is especially true of a psalm that recounts the experience of repentance...
We can repeat the words of many psalms as our own. This is especially true of a psalm that recounts the experience of repentance. Everyone who has ever brought a confession of his deeds before the Lord can recognize his own experiences here.
The weight of sin pressing down upon the sinner and felt even physically is shown briefly but vividly in the psalm. But the person who confesses his transgressions is freed from this unbearable burden. A sigh of relief can be heard in the joyful acceptance of the forgiveness that comes from God.
It is no accident that the psalmist places sin and deceit side by side, both equally rejected by the repentant person. Just as genuine repentance is impossible when one deceitfully clings to habitual sins, deceit—the expression of one sin, falsehood—also leads to many other sins.
And so joy embraces the person who is freed from the power of sin. The Lord’s mercy will not forsake him.
32 The happiness of them whose sins are forgiven, Пс 31:1-2.
The necessity of confessing our sins, and of prayer, Пс 31:3-6.
God's promise to them that trust in him, Пс 31:7-10.
An exhortation to rejoice in God, Пс 31:11.
A psalm of David, Maschil.
Title of the psalm. Maschil - Or, an instructor. This psalm is fitly so called, because it was composed for the information of the church, in that most important doctrine, the way to true blessedness.
31:2 Imputeth - Whom God doth not charge with the guilt of his sins, but graciously pardons and accepts him in Christ. No guile - Who freely confesses all his sins, and turns from sin to God with all his heart.
31:3 Silence - From a full and open confession of my sins. Old - My spirit failed, and the strength of my body decayed. Roaring - Because of the continual horrors of my conscience, and sense of God's wrath.
31:4 Hand - Thy afflicting hand. My moisture - Was dried up.
31:5 The iniquity - The guilt of my sin.
31:6 For this - Upon the encouragement of my example. Found - In an acceptable and seasonable time, while God continues to offer grace and mercy. Waters - In the time of great calamities. Not come - So as to overwhelm him.
31:8 I will - This and the next verse seems to be the words of God, whom David brings in as returning this answer to his prayers.Mine eye - So Christ did St. Peter, when he turned and looked upon him.
31:9 Will not - Unless they be forced to it by a bit or bridle.And so all the ancient translators understand it.
31:10 Sorrows - This is an argument to enforce the foregoing admonition.