Psalm 32: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 32 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Blessed is the person whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is not counted against them (vv. 1-2). When the psalmist kept silent about his sin, his strength failed and he felt weak (vv.

Key verse

“I acknowledged my sin to you. I didn’t hide my iniquity. I said, I will confess my transgressions to Yahweh, and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah.”
Psalms 32:5 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 32:1–2 Blessings of Forgiveness
Psalm 32:3–4 Consequences of Silence
Psalm 32:5 The Act of Confession
Psalm 32:6–7 Call to Prayer and Trust
Psalm 32:8–11 Divine Guidance and Joy

Discussion questions

In v1, which group of people is described as 'blessed' for being forgiven?
In v5, what does David say he 'acknowledged' to God?
David's mention of 'the great waters' in v6: what might this imagery suggest about God's timing?
In v9, why does the psalmist compare people to 'the horse' and 'the mule'?
When have you experienced the relief of forgiveness, as described in v5?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 32: Proverbs 3, Psalm 91, Isaiah 48.

Before next time: read Psalm 33.