This Psalm was probably written by David some time after his sin with Bathsheba. It describes the agonies of conscience that he went through before finally confessing his sin to God, and the subsequent relief that he experienced once he had done so and had found forgiveness. Intermingled with it are words spoken to him by YHWH promising that He will in future act as his guide if he will be responsive to the reins (Psalms 32:8-9). For the principle behind it compare Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:7-10.
Heading.
‘A Psalm of David. Maschil.'
Thirteen Psalms are called Maschils, but we do not know precisely why. It could relate to the idea of instruction (compare the use of the cognate verb in Psalms 32:8, ‘I will instruct you') or it could refer to having ‘understanding' (maschil - Psalms 47:8) or indicate that it is a meditation. Thus we may see it as instructing us so that we gain an understanding of God and His ways. Or it may indicate a particularly tricky musical rendering. The fact that some are described as ‘a Maschil of David' might tend to counter the last suggestion.
This Psalm is a very moving one. It seems to refer to David's experience when he had sinned with Bathsheba, a sin that caused him deep uneasiness within, so much so that at length he had no alternative but to go to God and have it dealt with. And the result was that he came through to a position of peace and blessing. This then resulted in God beginning to speak to him again, so that in the end he could call on all God's people to be glad in the Lord and rejoice
The Psalm can be divided up as follows:
1) He praises God for the fact that he has been forgiven and put right with God (1-2).
2) He describes the period when he had been unable to find rest in his heart because God's hand was on him giving him no peace (3-4).
3) He describes how he came to his senses and acknowledged his sin and thus found forgiveness (5).
4) He expresses his confidence that anyone who is godly can similarly come to Him in times of trouble, and emphasises that God is his hiding place who surrounds him with songs of deliverance (6-7).
5) He hears God's voice again promising to lead him in the right way, although he must respond to His guiding hand (8-9).
6) He emphasises the fact that the one who trusts in YHWH will be surrounded with mercy (10).
7) He calls on all the righteous to be glad in YHWH, and for those who are upright in heart to shout for joy.