Psalms 32 A PSALM OF DAVID, MASCHIL <<MASCHIL>>: Hirsch translates this word to mean "an Instruction".  The word also can sound like "maskil" and is from the root "secel' meaning intelligence or learned comprehension.  This gives us the English word "skill". [Psalms 32:1] BLESSED IS HE WHOSE TRANSGRESSION IS FORGIVEN, WHOSE SIN IS COVERED. Happy is the person who though he has sinned knows his offence has been forgiven him. [Psalms 32:2] BLESSED IS THE MAN UNTO WHOM THE LORD IMPUTETH NOT INIQUITY, AND IN  WHOSE SPIRIT THERE IS NO GUILE. He is blessed that his offence is not counted and even more so when in   his own mind he has no trickery or deceit, i.e. he does not deceive himself let alone others.  These kind of sentiments may sound obvious and as matter we take for granted but when you think about it we all have a tendency to imagine things to be different than what they are. We are all liable to hoodwink our very selves. [Psalms 32:3] WHEN I KEPT SILENCE, MY BONES WAXED OLD THROUGH MY ROARING ALL THE DAY  LONG. <<I KEPT SILENCE>>: Means here (says S.R. Hirsch)  "denial" or lack of response. When visitations came upon me and I knew I should examine my deeds and thoughts and better myself  I held back. I heeded a self-destructive stubborn urge not to reform myself when I could have done so and knew I should. [Psalms 32:4] FOR DAY AND NIGHT THY HAND WAS HEAVY UPON ME: MY MOISTURE IS TURNED INTO  THE DROUGHT OF SUMMER. SELAH. When the Almighty hits you or even sends you a "hint" it can come down really hard. [Psalms 32:5] I ACKNOWLEDGE MY SIN UNTO THEE, AND MINE INIQUITY HAVE I NOT HID. I SAID,  I  WILL CONFESS MY TRANSGRESSIONS UNTO THE LORD; AND THOU FORGAVEST THE INIQUITY OF MY  SIN. SELAH. That is all that is needed. It is really quite simple and straightforward. Confess your sins before the Almighty. Ask for forgiveness and try to better yourself. [Psalms 32:6] FOR THIS SHALL EVERY ONE THAT IS GODLY PRAY UNTO THEE IN A TIME WHEN THOU MAYEST BE FOUND: SURELY IN THE FLOODS OF GREAT WATERS THEY SHALL NOT COME NIGH UNTO HIM.   << IN A TIME WHEN THOU MAYEST BE FOUND>>: We all have moments when we cannot function or cannot respond as we should. On the other hand there are times when we feel the nearness of the Almighty and we can pray and be answered. Theoretically one can pray and be answered any time but human nature is what it is so we hope that at the least in our "good moments" we should merit to commune with our Maker. << THE FLOODS OF GREAT WATERS>>: This request has added significance in the light of recent happenings. [Psalms 32:7] THOU ART MY HIDING PLACE; THOU SHALT PRESERVE ME FROM TROUBLE; THOU SHALT  COMPASS ME ABOUT WITH SONGS OF DELIVERANCE. SELAH. God will hide me. So too recently we have discussed the concept of concealment AND hiddeness regarding the Lost Ten Tribes. The Almighty is a refuge and hiding place for you, pray to Him. [Psalms 32:8] I WILL INSTRUCT THEE AND TEACH THEE IN THE WAY WHICH THOU SHALT GO: I WILL  GUIDE THEE WITH MINE EYE. This is as if the Almighty is replying and assuring us that if we run to Him and hide in Him, He  will direct us and tell us what to do. [Psalms 32:9] BE YE NOT AS THE HORSE, OR AS THE MULE, WHICH HAVE NO UNDERSTANDING:  WHOSE MOUTH MUST BE HELD IN WITH BIT AND BRIDLE, LEST THEY COME NEAR UNTO THEE. This is a proof that the "bit and the bridle" were known in the time of David. Horsemanship and cavalry skills appear to have been first developed in the Israelite area. Later, after the exile of the Lost Ten Tribes they were introduced to the Assyrian Army. Whole units of Assyrian cavalry were comprised of exiled Israelites as we have discussed in line with archaeological findings in our works "The Tribes", "Lost Israelite Identity", and "Origin". Do not be like a dumb animal that needs a bit in his mouth for direction and control. We are more than that. Be as much as you can be concerning the Almighty as well as your family and everything else. [Psalms 32:10] MANY SORROWS SHALL BE TO THE WICKED: BUT HE THAT TRUSTETH IN THE LORD,  MERCY SHALL COMPASS HIM ABOUT.   <<MERCY>>: The Hebrew word here is "chesed" connoting kindness, good turns. Someone who trusts in the Almighty will be shown favors and receive help they did not expect. [Psalms 32:11] BE GLAD IN THE LORD, AND REJOICE, YE RIGHTEOUS: AND SHOUT FOR JOY, ALL YE  THAT ARE UPRIGHT IN HEART. Psalms Index Home