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32
A psalm of David.
1 How happy are those whose wrongs are forgiven, whose sins are covered.* The two verbs used here reflect differing ideas in relation to how sins are dealt with. In the first they are “carried away” (the Hebrew meaning of forgiveness), while in the second they are “covered” in the sense that they are no longer seen, rendered invisible. As in all metaphors, such concepts are limited since one can argue that sins cannot be “removed” in that the actions cannot be undone, nor are sins amenable to a “cover up” operation—meaning that while they are concealed they are still there. In all such discussions the wider concepts of the meaning of sin must be considered: as primarily a broken relationship with God, with wrong attitudes and actions that lead to separation and death.
2 How happy are those whose sins the Lord does not count against them, those who do not act deceptively.
3 When I kept quiet,† “Kept quiet”—not confessing his sin. The resulting inner turmoil and stress resulted in health issues. my body fell apart as I groaned in distress all day long.
4 You beat me day and night,‡ Literally, “Your hand was heavy on me.” my strength dried up as in the heat of summer. Selah.
5 Then I confessed my sins to you. I did not hide the wrongs I had done. I said to myself, “I will confess my disobedience to the Lord,” and you forgave the guilt of my sins. Selah.
6 Therefore let all who are faithful pray to you while there's time, so when trouble comes in like a flood it will not overwhelm them.
7 For you are my refuge, you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of salvation. Selah.
8 “I§ It is not clear from the text whether “I” refers to the Lord or to the psalmist. Here the verse is placed in quote marks assuming these are words of the Lord. will instruct you, teaching you the way to follow. I will advise you, watching out for you.
9 You mustn't be like a horse or a mule that doesn't know which way to go without a bit or a bridle. Otherwise they can't be controlled.”* Literally, “or they will not come near you.”
10 The wicked have many problems, but those who trust in the Lord will be surrounded by his never-failing love.
11 So be happy in the Lord and celebrate, you who do good. Shout for joy, all you who live right!

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*32:1 The two verbs used here reflect differing ideas in relation to how sins are dealt with. In the first they are “carried away” (the Hebrew meaning of forgiveness), while in the second they are “covered” in the sense that they are no longer seen, rendered invisible. As in all metaphors, such concepts are limited since one can argue that sins cannot be “removed” in that the actions cannot be undone, nor are sins amenable to a “cover up” operation—meaning that while they are concealed they are still there. In all such discussions the wider concepts of the meaning of sin must be considered: as primarily a broken relationship with God, with wrong attitudes and actions that lead to separation and death.

†32:3 “Kept quiet”—not confessing his sin. The resulting inner turmoil and stress resulted in health issues.

‡32:4 Literally, “Your hand was heavy on me.”

§32:8 It is not clear from the text whether “I” refers to the Lord or to the psalmist. Here the verse is placed in quote marks assuming these are words of the Lord.

*32:9 Literally, “or they will not come near you.”

© 2018 Dr. Jonathan Gallagher