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Lutheran reading notes

In Psalms chapter 32, the wisdom literature continues to explore prayer, worship, lament, praise, and trust in God. Lutheran interpretation often emphasizes humanity’s limitations and the need to rely on God's grace and promises. The chapter highlights the contrast between human striving and the faithfulness of God.

Theme: Wisdom, prayer, and faithful living Key people: Wise figures Key place: Israel Liturgical use: Wisdom lections
1 [{A Psalm} of David, Maschil.] Blessed {is he whose} transgression {is} forgiven, {whose} sin {is} covered. {A Psalm...: or, A Psalm of David giving instruction}
Psalms 32:1 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2 Blessed {is} the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit {there is} no guile.
Psalms 32:2 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3 When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long.
Psalms 32:3 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4 For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.
Psalms 32:4 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5 I acknowledged 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.
Psalms 32:5 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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. {when...: Heb. of finding}
Psalms 32:6 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7 Thou {art} my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.
Psalms 32:7 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. {guide...: Heb. counsel thee, mine eye shall be upon thee}
Psalms 32:8 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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.
Psalms 32:9 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10 Many sorrows {shall be} to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.
Psalms 32:10 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
11 Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all {ye that are} upright in heart.
Psalms 32:11 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.