19 June
Bible In 365 Days 
Psalms 32-35
Psalm 32
This is known as the second of the penitential psalms. It is the song of a man who is rejoicing in the assurance of restoration. Opening with a burst of praise which reveals the experimental knowledge of the happiness of forgiveness (verses 1, 2), it proceeds to describe the bitterness of the soul's experience while sin is unconfused (verses 3, 4). Then the way of restoration by confession and the readiness of Jehovah to forgive are declared (verses 5). On the basis of such restoration the soul has access to God and the assurance of His succor in trouble (verses 6, 7). Then is sung the message of Jehovah to His child, in which the promise of guidance is made and the condition of submission is stated (verses 8, 9). All ends with an affirmation of the safety of those who bust in Jehovah and a call to men to praise Him.
Among all the psalms there is none which touches deeper things in the life of the soul or more perfectly reveals the method of Jehovah in sin, sorrow, and guidance. He is ready to pardon, able to deliver, and willing to guide.
Psalm 33
This is a triumphant song of praise, opening with a call to vocal and instrumental music. "Rejoice," "praise," "give thanks," "sing praises," "sing," "play"; thus all modes of expression are appealed to.
The praise proceeds and the greatness and goodness of Jehovah are sung in general terms (verses 4-11). The whole of the facts are summarized, His word is right, His work is faithful! (verses 4). His character is perfect, combining light - "righteousness and judgment"; and love - "lovingkindness" (verses 5). He is the Creator, full of power so that men should worship (verses 6-9). He is the active King, overruling all the affairs of men (verses 10-11). The song then praises Jehovah as the God of the chosen people (verses 12-19). He chose them and in their interest watches all the sons of men (verses 12-15). His watchfulness of His own is a greater security than armies or horses (verses 16-19). The song ends with an affirmation of trust, an assurance of joy, and a prayer for mercy (verses 20-22). There is a lilt and a lift about this psalm which is of the very essence of gladness.
Psalm 34
In this psalm praise is personal. After the chorus of the last we have a solo full of feeling. It tells of the goodness of Jehovah and that in order that others may know and be helped. The opening declares this. The song is to be perpetual and the meek are to be made glad thereby. Then there is the desire to draw others into the same attitude of praise. It is good to go through simply to find the things Jehovah has done. "He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears." "They looked unto him, and were radiant." "Jehovah heard him and saved him." His eyes "are toward . . . His ears are open." "Jehovah heard, and delivered them." "Jehovah is night." "Jehovah delivereth." "He keepeth." "Jehovah redeemeth."
This is not an exhaustive list, for on the side of human reception many more things are said. It is a song which tells of the nearness, the tender sensitiveness, the ready help, the mighty power of Jehovah on behalf of all who trust Him. It is, moreover, rich in its lack of selfishness. The singer is eager for others to hear, to test, to praise, and he takes time to sing to the children that they also may know the secret of life.
Psalm 35
There is agony in this song. The singer is sore beset with enemies. They are striving with him, fighting against him. They are plotting against him, treacherously spreading a net for his feet. He cries out to Jehovah for help, vowing that he will offer praise for deliverance (Psalms 35:1-10). The singer touches deeper depths. The cruelty and oppression are being shown by those whom in the past he has befriended. In their time of trouble he had mourned with them. In the day of his halting they have taken advantage of weakness, still further to wound.
Again he cried to the Lord for rescue and promised to praise Him publicly (Psalms 35:11-18). And again the same prayer is offered. The foes are not only cruel and treacherous, they are full of bitterness and taunt and mock the suffering man. In his agony he cried out for help, for the third time promising to praise Him (Psalms 35:19-28).
Before we criticize the singer for his attitude toward his foes, let us imagine ourselves in his place. In no sense is the level of spiritual realization in this psalm equal to that in many others. One of the greatest values of the collection is its revelation of how, under all circumstances, the soul may turn to God.
