Psalm 32:8-10 NIV

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 32:1-11

The last word of the title, "Maschil," is thought to mean that the psalm was intended for instruction, warning, or admonition; the word maschil , or rather maskil , being formed from askil ," to instruct"—the opening word of the eighth verso—used also in Psalms 2:10 ; Psalms 53:2 , etc. There are thirteen psalms thus inscribed, all more or less of a didactic character. Rhythmically, the psalm seems to be composed of six strophes, each of two verses; but in the third... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 32:1-11

Divine forgiveness. This psalm is one of those historically established as David's. £ It has long been a favourite with the greatest saints, who are the very ones that own themselves the greatest sinners. Luther referred to it as one of his special psalms. So Dr. Chalmers, who, it is said, could scarcely read its first three verses without tears filling his eyes. The compression necessary to keep this work within moderate limits renders it impossible to do more than point out how it... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 32:6-11

The attitude of the penitent. Because of the grace thus vouchsafed to every penitent, David would encourage all the godly to seek him who deals so graciously with sinners. Out of his past and present experience he will now counsel others, and especially those who are still impenitent, and the tenor of his counsel is that they should not, like brutes, refuse submission till they are forced into it. The passage may be divided into two parts: I. THE ATTITUDE OF THE FORGIVEN ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 32:8

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go. We must suppose the "godly man" of Psalms 32:6 addressed, if we regard David as the speaker. Such a man was not beyond the need of instruction and teaching, since he was liable to sins of infirmity, and even to grievous falls, as had been seen by David's example. I will guide thee with mine eye; i.e. "I will keep watch over thee with mine eye, and guide thee as I see to be necessary." read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 32:8

God's guidance. Learn— I. THE PLACE OF GUIDANCE . Unless we are able to see God's eye, we cannot be guided. What hinders? Our sins. "Mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up" ( Psalms 40:12 ). The great thing, therefore, is to confess our sins, that they may be put away, and then, "accepted in the Beloved," we can "look up " with childlike trust, and cry, "Abba, Father!" II. THE MANNER OF GUIDANCE . 1 . Authoritative. As... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 32:8-9

St. Jerome, and others after him, including Dr. Kay, have regarded this passage as an utterance of God, who first admonishes David, and then passes on to an admonition of the Israelites generally. But such a sudden intrusion of a Divine utterance, without any notice of a change of speaker, is without parallel in the Psalms, and should certainly not be admitted without some plain necessity. Here is no necessity at all. The words are quite suitable in the mouth of David, as an admonition to the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 32:9

Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding . The singular is exchanged for the plural, since the "instruction" is now intended, not for the godly man only, but for all. Israel had been always stiff-necked ( Exodus 32:9 ; Exodus 33:3 , Exodus 33:5 ; Exodus 34:9 ; Deuteronomy 9:6 , Deuteronomy 9:13 ; Deuteronomy 10:16 ; 2 Chronicles 30:8 ; Acts 7:51 ), like a restive horse or mule. David exhorts them to be so no more. The horse and mule are excusable,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 32:10

Many sorrows shall be to the wicked . A further warning to those addressed in the preceding verse. The LXX . emphasize this by substituting for the generic "sorrows" the specific μάστιγες , "lashes," the usual punishment of the horse and mule. But he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about (comp. Deuteronomy 32:10 ). read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 32:8

I will instruct thee - Many interpreters have understood this to refer to God - as if he were now introduced as speaking, and as saying that he would be the guide of those who thus submitted to him, and who sought him by penitence and confession. But it is more natural to regard the psalmist as still speaking, and referring to his own experience as qualifying him to give counsel to others, showing them how they might find peace, and with what views and feelings they should come before God if... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 32:9

Be ye not as the horse - The horse as it is by nature - wild, ungoverned, unwilling to be caught and made obedient. The counsel referred to in the previous verse is here given; and it is, that one who wishes to obtain the favor of God should not be as the wild and unbroken horse, an animal that can be subdued only by a curb, but should evince a calm, submissive spirit - a spirit “disposed” to obey and submit. If he becomes a subject of God’s government, he is not to be subdued and held as the... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 32:1-11

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 32:1-11

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 32:6-11

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 32:8

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 32:8

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 32:8-9

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 32:9

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 32:10

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 32:8

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 32:9

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