Chapter Summary

The blessedness of those whose sin is forgiven.

Discussion Questions for Psalms, Chapter 32

1. "A Maskil of David." "This is the first of twelve psalms with this title." (Study Guide for Psalm 32 by David Guzik) What is a Maskil? How does this lay the foundation for the tone of this Psalm?
2. Psalm 32:1, "Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered." (ESV) The original Hebrew word for blessed is 'ešer, which means happiness. Did you know God desires for you to be happy, and that true happiness is found in Salvation? How does forgiveness from sin bring you happiness? If you were to pick one word to describe the way forgiveness and salvation make you feel, what would that be and why?
3. Psalm 32:2, "Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit." (ESV) How would you describe what forgiveness is? How does this verse capture the heart of real forgiveness in its purest form?
4. What does it mean when a verse is ended with "Selah"? How does knowing this help us understand its consistent use throughout the Psalms?
5. Psalm 32:6, "Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him." (ESV) How is the term "found" used in this passage? What theme can be found in the description of "the rush of great waters"?
6. Psalm 32:7, "You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah" (ESV) What image comes to mind with this passage? What does David mean by "shouts of deliverance"?
7. Psalm 32:8, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you." (ESV) How do you seek instruction from The Lord? What does it mean for God to be your counselor?
8. Psalm 32:9, "Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you." (ESV) How is God appealing to His people in this verse? What kinds of actions of man would you associate with this example? What would be the opposite of being "like a horse or a mule"?
9. Psalm 32:10, "Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD." (ESV) Are these sorrows always apparent to the wicked? Is The Lord’s steadfast love always apparent when we are trusting in Him? What daily rhythms can help keep you aware of God’s steadfast love for you?
10. Psalm 32:11, "Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!" (ESV) What does it look like for you to "shout for joy"? The way we worship does not have to all look the same; so what are some ways you naturally find yourself praising The Lord?

Key Words/Phrase

Forgiven, v. 1.

Characters

God, David.

Strong Verse(s)

1, 8.