Psalms 40:1-11

1 I waited patiently for the Lord's help; then he listened to me and heard my cry.

2 He pulled me out of a dangerous pit, out of the deadly quicksand. He set me safely on a rock and made me secure.

3 He taught me to sing a new song, a song of praise to our God. Many who see this will take warning and will put their trust in the Lord.

4 Happy are those who trust the Lord, who do not turn to idols or join those who worship false gods.

5 You have done many things for us, O Lord our God; there is no one like you! You have made many wonderful plans for us. I could never speak of them all - their number is so great!

6 You do not want sacrifices and offerings; ¹ you do not ask for animals burned whole on the altar or for sacrifices to take away sins. Instead, you have given me ears to hear you,

7 and so I answered, "Here I am; your instructions for me are in the book of the Law.

8 How I love to do your will, my God! I keep your teaching in my heart."

9 In the assembly of all your people, Lord, I told the good news that you save us. You know that I will never stop telling it.

10 I have not kept the news of salvation to myself; I have always spoken of your faithfulness and help. In the assembly of all your people I have not been silent about your loyalty and constant love.

11 Lord, I know you will never stop being merciful to me. Your love and loyalty will always keep me safe.

Psalms 40:1-11 Meaning and Commentary

To the chief Musician, a Psalm of David. Jarchi interprets this psalm of the Israelites, and of their deliverance and song at the Red sea. The title of it, in the Syriac version, is, "A psalm of David according to the letter, when Shemaiah brought the names of those who minister in the house of the Lord;" see 1 Chronicles 24:6; according to Kimchi, the subject of this psalm is the same with that of the two preceding; and R. Obadiah thinks it was composed by David, when he was recovered of a leprosy; but though it might be written by David, it was not written concerning himself, or on his own account, but of another. The title of this psalm is somewhat different from others in the order of the words; whereas it is usually put "a psalm of," or "for David"; here it is, "for David, a psalm"; and may be rendered, as Ainsworth observes, "a psalm concerning David"; not literally, but typically understood; not concerning David himself, but concerning his antitype and son, who is called by his name, Ezekiel 37:24; and that it is to be interpreted of him is evident from the application of Psalm 39:6, unto him by the apostle in Hebrews 10:5; and the whole of it is applicable to him; some apply it to Jeremiah in the dungeon, and others to Daniel in the den, as Theodoret observes.

Cross References

• 1. 40.6-8Hebrews 10.5-7.

Footnotes

• [a]. your instructions . . . Law; [or] my devotion to you is recorded in your book.