Psalm 32


Psalm 32 is the 32nd psalm of the Book of Psalms. In the Greek Septuagint version of the bible, and in its Latin translation in the Vulgate, this psalm is Psalm 31 in a slightly different numbering system.
In Psalm 32 the Psalmist expresses the joy of being released from great suffering. It is divided into two parts: verses 1-5, the psalmist proclaims the joy of seeing his fault remitted by God and in verse 6 to verse 11, he shows his confidence in the fact that God is the guide on the right path.
The harm suffered by the psalmist is very hard to bear, although we can not know precisely its nature. The Psalm seeks to understand where it comes from, because at the time, misfortune is understood as a consequence of the sins one has committed. But far from being an opportunity to revolt, this event leads him to experience God's forgiveness.

Structure

This Psalm is one of the seven penitential psalms, as its focus is on the former sins of the psalmist. The psalm itself is not a prayer of repentance, but a confession of sin is consummated. It also touches on themes of wisdom poetry, and belongs to the series of psalms of thanksgiving of an individual. According to James Luther Mays, the Psalmist, in the exercise of repentance teaches others of his experience and gives therefore instructions. It is divided into the following segments:

Uses

Judaism

Psalm 32 is one of the ten Psalms of the Tikkun HaKlali of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov.

New Testament

Paul references verse 1 & 2 of the Psalm in Romans in his explanation of salvation by faith, not works.

Catholic Church

Following St. Benedict of Nursia the practice in the Middle Ages, was for monasteries, to recite or sing this Psalm at matins of Sunday. Today, Psalm 31 is sung or recited at Vespers of Thursday of the first week.