RR Psalm 32:1 Part 1
Shalom,
Psalm 32:1 Of David, a contemplative song. Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is pardoned.
So, we begin Psalm 32 (one of my all time favorites). The Hebrew introduction is “L’David Mas’kil” meaning “Of David, “Mas’kil.” The Hebrew word “Mas’kil” is derived from “Sachal,” meaning “wisdom.” Psalm 32 is the first of thirteen Psalms so designated as sources of wisdom. What is “wisdom” but the ability to apply past experiences to affect future outcomes for the better. In other words, with wisdom we can avoid past mistakes and increase future blessings.
This introduction is followed by the Hebrew word “Ashre” (translated as “blessed”). It is also the first Hebrew word of the first Psalm. I believe it is an onomatopoeia, used as an outburst of joy that can’t be contained. In English we similarly use “hooray” or “yippee.” What follows in verse one of Psalm 32 is an explanation of why the reader is joyful.
There are two pairs of Hebrew words that are used as puns (a play on words). These words sound similar but are spelled differently, consequently with different meanings. “N’sui Pesha” and “K’sui Chatah.” N’sui is spelled with the Hebrew letter Sin, while “K’suie is spelled with the Hebrew letter Samech.
N’sui is from Nasa meaning lifted up or carried. N’sui Pesha is sin that is lifted off of us and carried away. How far and by whom? Psalm 103:10 He has not treated us according to our sins (Chatah), or repaid us according to our iniquities (Avon). 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His mercy for those who fear Him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions (Pesha) from us. 13 As a father has compassion on his children, so Adonai has compassion on those who fear Him.
Kasa (Kaf-Samech-Hey) means to conceal or cover up. It is the word used in Isaiah 11:9b …for the earth will be full of the knowledge of Adonai, as the waters cover the sea. All of the prophets used this word to describe covering as an act of humility or modesty. Ezekiel 12:6 “Bear the burden on your shoulder in their sight. Carry it out in the darkness; cover your face so that you cannot see the ground. For I have made you a sign for the house of Israel.”
Pesha and Chatah are also synonyms meaning sin. These are actually two of the three types of sin in Hebrew. Avon is a type of sin not mentioned in this verse. It is regularly translated as iniquity. The word connotes twisted and is usually linked to perversity, depravity, and guilt (both for wrongs committed and sin that is inherited). The other two Hebrew words for sin do appear in our subject verse. Pesha is usually translated as “transgression.” It is rebellion against an established relationship. Chatah means to fail, miss the mark or stray from the path.
Let us pray… May we be among those who shout for joy as the ones for whom the Lord has lifted our burden of sin and covered our shame. B’shem Yeshua M’shicheynu, Amen!
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Fri4-July 20258th of Tamuz, 5785
Nu 21:10-20Jer 51 Ezr 102 Co 12 (Lk 8:26-56)
Psalm 32:1 Of David, a contemplative song. Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is pardoned.
So, we begin Psalm 32 (one of my all time favorites). The Hebrew introduction is “L’David Mas’kil” meaning “Of David, “Mas’kil.” The Hebrew word “Mas’kil” is derived from “Sachal,” meaning “wisdom.” Psalm 32 is the first of thirteen Psalms so designated as sources of wisdom. What is “wisdom” but the ability to apply past experiences to affect future outcomes for the better. In other words, with wisdom we can avoid past mistakes and increase future blessings.
This introduction is followed by the Hebrew word “Ashre” (translated as “blessed”). It is also the first Hebrew word of the first Psalm. I believe it is an onomatopoeia, used as an outburst of joy that can’t be contained. In English we similarly use “hooray” or “yippee.” What follows in verse one of Psalm 32 is an explanation of why the reader is joyful.
There are two pairs of Hebrew words that are used as puns (a play on words). These words sound similar but are spelled differently, consequently with different meanings. “N’sui Pesha” and “K’sui Chatah.” N’sui is spelled with the Hebrew letter Sin, while “K’suie is spelled with the Hebrew letter Samech.
N’sui is from Nasa meaning lifted up or carried. N’sui Pesha is sin that is lifted off of us and carried away. How far and by whom? Psalm 103:10 He has not treated us according to our sins (Chatah), or repaid us according to our iniquities (Avon). 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His mercy for those who fear Him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions (Pesha) from us. 13 As a father has compassion on his children, so Adonai has compassion on those who fear Him.
Kasa (Kaf-Samech-Hey) means to conceal or cover up. It is the word used in Isaiah 11:9b …for the earth will be full of the knowledge of Adonai, as the waters cover the sea. All of the prophets used this word to describe covering as an act of humility or modesty. Ezekiel 12:6 “Bear the burden on your shoulder in their sight. Carry it out in the darkness; cover your face so that you cannot see the ground. For I have made you a sign for the house of Israel.”
Pesha and Chatah are also synonyms meaning sin. These are actually two of the three types of sin in Hebrew. Avon is a type of sin not mentioned in this verse. It is regularly translated as iniquity. The word connotes twisted and is usually linked to perversity, depravity, and guilt (both for wrongs committed and sin that is inherited). The other two Hebrew words for sin do appear in our subject verse. Pesha is usually translated as “transgression.” It is rebellion against an established relationship. Chatah means to fail, miss the mark or stray from the path.
Let us pray… May we be among those who shout for joy as the ones for whom the Lord has lifted our burden of sin and covered our shame. B’shem Yeshua M’shicheynu, Amen!
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Fri4-July 20258th of Tamuz, 5785
Nu 21:10-20Jer 51 Ezr 102 Co 12 (Lk 8:26-56)
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