Psalms 32:6-11 - Homilies By C. Short

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 PENITENT TOWARDS GOD . ( Psalms 32:6 , Psalms 32:7 .)

1 . Confidence in God for others. ( Psalms 32:6 .) What God has done for him, he will do for all the penitent and godly. Not a partial God, but his principles of action are universal. God can always be found by the truly penitent; i.e. he always hears them when they call upon him ( Psalms 32:6 ). Its averts from them the judgments ("great waters") that threaten to overwhelm the wicked ( Psalms 32:6 ).

2 . Confidence in God for himself. ( Psalms 32:7 .) He lives in God as his Castle or Hiding-place, secure from danger and trouble. This idea is enlarged and exalted by Christianity. "Your life is bid with Christ in God." The security is all the greater because we are joined with Christ in God. God will surround him with abundant causes of thankful songs—songs of deliverance. Turn where he may, he finds the delivering hand of God at work on his behalf.

II. HIS ATTITUDE AS A TEACHER OF THE IMPENITENT . ( Psalms 32:8-11 .)

1 . His experience qualifies him to show men the way they should go. "Then—after thou hast delivered me—will I teach transgressors thy ways, and sinners shall be converted unto thee." He knew the road which he urged them to take—knew it from experience, not from any theory.

2 . This made him a gentle , sympathetic guide. He will guide them with the gentle guidance of the eye. A look is enough for those who are willing to go in the right way—a look in the direction which is to be pointed out. Experience taught him to be pitiful.

3 . He exhorts men against a brutish and stubborn impenitence. ( Psalms 32:9 .) Do not be like the brute, which must be compelled to service, "who doth not willingly come unto thee;" but as reasonable religious creatures, be willing for the service which is great and blessed.

4 . He sums up the whole question. ( Psalms 32:10 .) The sorrows which encompass the wicked, and the mercy that follows those who trust in God. "Mercy;" equivalent to "loving-kindness." A tremendous contrast.

5 . An exhortation to the righteous to realize their blessed estate. ( Psalms 32:11 .)—S.