Ps. 32 Maschil; or, an instructor. This Psalm is most fitly so called, because it was composed for the information of the church, in that most important doctrine, concerning the way to true blessedness. They are blessed whose sins are forgiven, Ps. 32:1–2.

I did indeed say that they, and they only, were blessed, that did not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, & c., but did delight in and meditate on God’s law, Ps. 1:1–2. And it is true, this is the only way to blessedness.

Whom God doth not charge with the guilt of his sins, as he might justly do, but graciously accepts and pardons him in Christ, and deals with him as if he had not sinned.

When I kept silence, to wit, from a full and open confession of my sins, as appears from Ps. 32:5, and from pouring out my soul to God in serious and fervent prayers for pardon and peace. Whilst I concealed my sins, or smothered my fears, and, stifled the workings of my own conscience.

Thy hand; thy afflicting hand bringing my sins to remembrance, and filling me with thy terrors for them. My very radical moisture was in a manner dried up, and wasted through excessive fears and sorrows.

At last I took up a full resolution, that I would no longer daily nor deal deceitfully with God, nor vainly seek to hide my sins from the all-seeing God, but that I would openly and candidly confess and bewail all my sins with all their aggravations, and humbly implore the pardon of them.

For this, i.e. upon the encouragement of my example, and thy great mercy vouchsafed to me, in answer to my humble confession and supplication. In a time when thou mayest be found, Heb.

i.e. With such great deliverances on all sides, as will give just occasion to sing forth thy praises.

This and the next verse are the words, either, 1. Of God; whom David brings in as returning this answer to his prayers, and the profession of his trust in God. Or rather, 2.

Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule; be not such brutish and sottish creatures as I have been, not having reason or grace to govern yourselves, nor hearkening to the counsels and admonitions of others.

Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: this is an argument to enforce the foregoing admonition; if any men will be refractory and unruly, God hath many ways to curb and chastise them, and bring them to his will.