Psalm 32:1-11

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 32:9

Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding ,.... The design of this exhortation is to direct men how to behave under the instructions given; not as brutes, which have no rational faculties, but as men; that they should not show themselves thoughtless, stupid, and unteachable, as these animals, or worse than they; nor stubborn and obstinate, refractory and untractable, resolving not to be taught, stopping the ear, and pulling away the shoulder; nor ill natured and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 32:10

Many sorrows shall be to the wicked ,.... Who will not be instructed and reformed, but are like the horse and mule, without understanding; many outward sorrows or afflictions attend them; loathsome and consuming diseases come upon their bodies by intemperance and debauchery; and they and their families are brought to a piece of bread, through their vicious courses; and inward sorrows, horror and terror of mind, seize them when their consciences are at any time awakened, and are open to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 32:11

Be glad in the Lord ,.... The Targum renders it, "in the Word of the Lord"; in Christ the essential Word; in him as the Lord their righteousness, and because of his righteousness imputed to them, by which they become righteous; and in him as their Saviour and Redeemer, and because of the salvation which he has wrought out for them; see Isaiah 61:10 ; and rejoice, ye righteous ; in the Lord, as before; for this is not a carnal, but spiritual joy, which is here exhorted to, the same as... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 32:1

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven - In this and the following verse four evils are mentioned: Transgression, פשע peshwa . Sin, חטאה chataah . Iniquity, עון avon . Guile, רמיה remiyah . The first signifies the passing over a boundary, doing what is prohibited. The second signifies the missing of a mark, not doing what was commanded; but is often taken to express sinfulness, or sin in the future, producing transgression in the life. The third signifies... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 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. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 32:5

I acknowledged my sin - When this confession was made thoroughly and sincerely, and I ceased to cover and extenuate my offense, 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 my sin; I felt confidence in the mercy of the Lord; and I felt the forgiveness of the iniquity of my sin. Selah - This is all true; I know it; I felt it; I feel it. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 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 the time of finding. When the heart is softened and the conscience alarmed, that is a time of finding. God is ever ready; men are not so. Who can pray with a hard heart and a dark mind? While you feel relentings, pray. ... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 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 - I shall know that I am safe. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 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," in all occurrences, "the way thou shouldst go." I will keep mine eyes upon thee, and thou shalt keep thine upon me: as I go, thou must follow me; and I will continually watch for thy good. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 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 is a reasonable service; act, therefore, as a rational being. The horse and the mule are turned with difficulty; they must be constrained with bit and bridle. Do not be like them; do not oblige your Maker to have continual recourse... read more

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