Psalms 32:7

"For this, let everyone who is godly pray to you in a time when you may be found. Surely when the great waters overflow, they shall not reach to him."

Key Reflection

In Psalm 32:7, David exhorts godly individuals to seek God in times of need by praying when He is accessible. The imagery of "great waters overflowing" likely refers to the chaos and troubles that may engulf a person (cf. Psalms 69:2–3). For the original audience, this would have resonated with the historical context of divine deliverance from enemies or natural disasters, emphasizing God's protective power even in times of overwhelming trouble.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Thou art my hiding-place -SeePsalms 9:9, note;Psalms 27:5, note. The idea is that he would be safe under the protection of God. The general allusion is to concealment from an enemy, but the immediate reference is to sin, and the consequences of sin. By fleeing to God he would be secure against all the evils which sin brings upon human beings. Thou shalt preserve me from trouble -Particularly the trouble which comes from guilt; sadness and sorrow in the remembrance of sin; apprehension of the wrath of God in the world to come; the consequences of guilt in that unseen and eternal world. Thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance -With songs expressive of deliverance or salvation.

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