Psalm 32:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

NIV: Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!

NASB: Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous ones; And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.

CSB: Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous ones; shout for joy, all you upright in heart.

NLT: So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!

KJV: Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.

NKJV: Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; And shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

Addressing his fellow believers, David calls upon them to be glad in the Lord. This is different than merely being "happy," as the emphasis is on a trusting obedience to God. Those who are "in the Lord" have reasons for joy which transcend earthly concerns, even as those trials are endured (Romans 8:18). When someone understands the blessing of God's forgiveness (Psalm 32:1–2), it should result in intense joy.

Just as David praised the Lord for surrounding him with shouts of deliverance (Psalm 32:7), he now sees reason to celebrate thanks to the Lord's unfailing love which envelops the righteous (Psalm 32:10). David found that stubborn refusal to admit sin drains one's joy, and even physical health (Psalm 32:3–4; Psalm 51:12). Yet he also found good reasons to rejoice in the Lord. The New Testament counterpart to this statement is Philippians 4:4, which commands us to "rejoice in the Lord always." Even in extremely grim times, a believer may choose to look around him and be sad or look up to the Lord and be glad.

This psalm presents four good reasons for a forgiven believer (John 3:36) to rejoice in the Lord. First is forgiveness of sin (Psalm 32:1–2, 5). Second is God's protection through those challenging times (Psalm 32:6–7). Next is the Lord's guidance (Psalm 32:8–9). Finally, there is His unfailing love (Psalm 32:10).

Psalm 32:10–11 concludes on a high, positive note. David contrasts the condition of the wicked with the condition of those who trust in the Lord. This comes in the context of those who recognize their sin, admit it to God, and receive forgiveness as a result. His final verse calls upon the righteous to rejoice and shout for joy.

This psalm follows a progression of David's own experience: from the pressure of resisting confession, to the relief of being forgiven, to a renewed appreciation of God's graciousness for His people. David notes that being forgiven of sin is a great blessing, and those who resist repentance are delaying that restoration. He reflects on his own experience with stubbornness and encourages all people to seek God in sincerity.

Psalm 32 follows David's confession of the sins of adultery and murder. Psalm 51 records his initial response when confronted by the prophet Nathan. The background of David's sin, Nathan's rebuke, and the aftermath are found in 2 Samuel 11—12. For some undisclosed time, David refused to acknowledge his sin, but when he finally confessed it, the Lord graciously forgave him.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.