The Blessed One

In 2019, Time magazine ran an online poll asking participants, “What are your major sources of happiness?” The top four answers all involved relationships. Having and maintaining healthy relationships with children, friends, and family were considered key components of happiness for most people.

In Psalm 32, David highlights the importance of another relationship as a key to happiness. He declares “blessed” or “happy” are those whose “transgressions are forgiven” (v. 1). The first two verses of this psalm reflect a profound understanding of the nature of sin and forgiveness. David uses three different Hebrew words for sin, here translated as “transgressions . . . sins . . . sin” (vv. 1–2). The first term reflects intentional, or high-handed sin. The second word is the most general term for wrongdoing either intentional or unintentional. The third term references the guilt associated with sin (v. 2).

These three terms for sin are matched by three metaphors for forgiveness. The verb “forgiven” literally means “to carry” (v. 1). That is, our sin is like a burden we cannot bear. Someone must carry it for us. Second, David declares blessed the person whose sins are “covered” (v. 1). Finally, sin is pictured as a debt that is canceled (v. 2). In sum, the blessed person is not the one who never sins. Rather, they are the kind of person who has sinned, but whose burden of that sin has been carried off by God.

In verses 3–5, David recounts a time when he tried to hide his sin. This led to a crushing sense of guilt and shame (v. 4). Finally, he confessed his sin to God and received forgiveness and relief (v. 5). He instructed others to follow his example. Joy and peace are to be found in the confession of sin and receiving of forgiveness.

Pray with Us

Father, help us to be honest about our sins! We pray the Holy Spirit will work in our hearts and guide us into all truth. Thank you, Jesus, for paying our debt on the cross and giving us freedom in you.

BY Ryan Cook

Dr. Ryan Cook has taught at Moody Bible Institute since 2012. He earned his bachelor of arts in Bible and Theology from Moody and his master of arts in Old Testament from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He has worked in Christian education and served as a pastor in Michigan for seven years. During his time as a professor at Moody, he earned his doctorate from Asbury Theological Seminary. He now lives with his wife, Ashley, and their three children in the Chicagoland area.