Psalm 32 is the second of the seven penitential psalms (6,32,38,51,102,130,143). This Psalm is generally associated in this regard with Psalm 51. Therefore, it is usually interpreted through this connection to David's sin with Bathsheba. It is also generally considered to be before the death of Uriah. It contains within it, a movement from sin and agony to repentance and joy. It begins with a beatitude or a word of blessing. It can be divided in to pairs of verses with verse five acting as the turning point.
Verses 1 and 2 The blessing of the forgiven man
Verses 3 and 4 The suffering state of the unforgiven
Verse 5 The turning point as he confesses his sin
Verses 6 and 7 The exhortation for others to trust in God in trouble
Verses 8 and 9 The exhortation to be malleable to instruction
Verses 10 and 11 The experience of the joy of Divine beneficence
Vs. 7- "You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance."
When I read verse 7 of this Psalm I am reminded of a book, "The Hiding Place." It is the story of a Dutch family (the ten Boom's) who were imprisoned by the Nazi's during WWII for giving assistance to the Jews. These brave souls acted on their faith when many around them simply "turned a blind eye" to the inhuman treatment of innocent Jews. All life is precious and "no greater love has a man than to lay down his life for another." Let me share with you a few quotes from the Book that reflect his family's attitude and faith in the most adverse of circumstances.
"The truth, Sir, is that God's viewpoint is sometimes different from ours...." Corrie ten Boom
"If I go home today, tomorrow I will open my door again to any man in need who knocks..." Casper ten Boom
"Thank you for the very crowding here. Since we're packed so close, that many more will hear!" Betsie ten Boom at the barracks at Ravensbruck concentration camp.
Vss. 3-4- "When I kept silent, my bones wasted away though my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me, my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer."It is of interest to me that the Psalmist speaks of the agony that keeping silent inflicts upon him personally. He is speaking of keeping silent about his own sin in this context. The physical and emotional pain caused by our attempts to hide sin are enormous. The heavy burden of the guilt of sin is more than one can carry for any length of time. The body and spirit cry for release. For the psalmist that release comes in the form of confession.
How many different ways, methods or avenues do we humans try, as a means of hiding or assuaging our guilt? How often do we try to hide from God? It is an entirely different concept than to be "hidden in God." What does it mean to be "Hidden in God?"
Vs.6- "Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found..."
This Psalm was the favorite of Augustine of Hippo (St. Augustine). He had it read as he neared death. It was reportedly posted at his bedside as he drew close to death. One of his better knows works is "Confessions" and I would like to share a couple of quotes from Augustine.
"Let me know Thee, O Lord, who knowest me: let me know Thee, s I am known.For the confessions of my past sins, which Thou hast forgiven and covered, that Thou mightest bless me in Thee..."
The call to prayer is found in the middle of this Psalm. I found the following quote at the beginning of chapter one, of Philip Yancey's book, Prayer: Does it make any Difference?
"When a doctoral student at Princeton asked, 'What is there left in the world for original dissertation research?' Albert Einstein replied, 'Find out about prayer. Somebody must find out about prayer.'"
Let me share some thoughts or ideas from this beautiful Psalm. I hope that they will prompt questions and open up a dialogue.
- The Joy of Forgiveness
- The Agony of Sin
- The Healing of Confession
- The Exhortation to Pray
- The Unfailing Love of God
- The Wonder of Worship
Just somethings to think about along the way.
Bob
No comments:
Post a Comment