The subject of the Ps. is the happiness that follows the confession of sin and the experience of forgiveness. This is generally set forth at the beginning (Psalms 32:1-2). Then the Psalmist relates his own spiritual history of misery before confession (Psalms 32:3-4), and of relief after it (Psalms 32:5). He next commends the practice of prayer (Psalms 32:6), and expresses his own confidence in God (Psalms 32:7). In Psalms 32:8 God speaks in words of promise, and the closing vv. are devoted to counsel and exhortation (Psalms 32:9-11). The period in David's life which best fits the references in the Ps. is the time of his impenitence after the murder of Uriah, followed by the rebuke of Nathan, and the king's acknowledgment of his sin (2 Samuel 11:26 to 2 Samuel 12:23;). The Ps. is one of those for Ash Wednesday.
Title.—A Psalm of David, Maschil] The word Maschil has been generally explained as 'a didactic Psalm,' a Psalm of instruction. But few of the Pss. so designated have this special character, and the more probable meaning is 'a skilful Psalm' (see Psalms 47:7; RM), one set to more elaborate music than usual.
1, 2. Note the threefold description of wrongdoing as transgression, breaking beyond bounds; sin, failure to reach the true aim of life; and iniquity, moral deformity or perversity—also the threefold nature of pardon as 'forgiveness,' literally here the lifting of the burden of guilt 'covering,' in the sense of hiding the sin from the eye of the judge, or protecting the sinner from punishment; and 'not imputing,' the cancelling of an obligation to pay the penalty.