Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Psalms Ch.32 / 150 Ch.s
PS:32
* The happiness of a pardoned sinner. (1,2) The misery that went
before, and the comfort that followed the confession of sins.
(3-7) Sinners instructed, believers encouraged. (8-11)
#1,2 Sin is the cause of our misery; but the true believer's
transgressions of the Divine law are all forgiven, being covered
with the atonement. Christ bare his sins, therefore they are not
imputed to him. The righteousness of Christ being reckoned to
us, and we being made the righteousness of God in him, our
iniquity is not imputed, God having laid upon him the iniquity
of us all, and made him a sin-offering for us. Not to impute
sin, is God's act, for he is the Judge. It is God that
justifies. Notice the character of him whose sins are pardoned;
he is sincere, and seeks sanctification by the power of the Holy
Ghost. He does not profess to repent, with an intention to
indulge in sin, because the Lord is ready to forgive. He will
not abuse the doctrine of free grace. And to the man whose
iniquity is forgiven, all manner of blessings are promised.
#3-7 It is very difficult to bring sinful man humbly to accept
free mercy, with a full confession of his sins and
self-condemnation. But the true and only way to peace of
conscience, is, to confess our sins, that they may be forgiven;
to declare them that we may be justified. Although repentance
and confession do not merit the pardon of transgression, they
are needful to the real enjoyment of forgiving mercy. And what
tongue can tell the happiness of that hour, when the soul,
oppressed by sin, is enabled freely to pour forth its sorrows
before God, and to take hold of his covenanted mercy in Christ
Jesus! Those that would speed in prayer, must seek the Lord,
when, by his providence, he calls them to seek him, and, by his
Spirit, stirs them up to seek him. In a time of finding, when
the heart is softened with grief, and burdened with guilt; when
all human refuge fails; when no rest can be found to the
troubled mind, then it is that God applies the healing balm by
his Spirit.
#8-11 God teaches by his word, and guides with the secret
intimations of his will. David gives a word of caution to
sinners. The reason for this caution is, that the way of sin
will certainly end in sorrow. Here is a word of comfort to
saints. They may see that a life of communion with God is far
the most pleasant and comfortable. Let us rejoice, O Lord Jesus,
in thee, and in thy salvation; so shall we rejoice indeed.