Psalm 40 Study Notes
Share
This resource is exclusive for PLUS Members
Upgrade now and receive:
- Ad-Free Experience: Enjoy uninterrupted access.
- Exclusive Commentaries: Dive deeper with in-depth insights.
- Advanced Study Tools: Powerful search and comparison features.
- Premium Guides & Articles: Unlock for a more comprehensive study.
40:6-8 Some interpreters think v. 6 repudiates the act of sacrifice, even though God himself had commanded it. However, the most important issue is delight in God’s will. In other words, acts of sacrifice must be accompanied by cheerful obedience. This was precisely the problem with Israel when God said he was tired of their sacrifices because they were not offered with pure motives of love and faithfulness to him (Is 1:11). The phrase open my ears to listen (lit “dig/hollow out ears for me”) is a symbol of being attentive to the Lord in order to obey him (the opposite of closed or “uncircumcised” ears; see Jr 6:10). This emphasizes the importance of obedience over sacrifice (1Sm 15:22). See, I have come is similar to Isaiah’s expression, “Here I am” (Is 6:8), showing submission to God’s will. Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate expression of submission (Heb 10:5-10). The meaning of the scroll is unclear. Some suggest it was the book where the deeds of people were recorded (51:1; 56:8; 87:6; 139:16), but in this context it may refer to God’s will (his instruction) in general (note “will” in 40:8).
40:9-10 Personal experiences, especially those involving rescue by the Lord, were to be related to those in the congregation of Israel in order to instruct the community (see note at 22:22-24).
40:11-13 Overtaken is used mostly with enemies as the subject (7:5; Jr 39:5; Lm 1:3), but here it is the psalmist’s iniquities that have overtaken him. His troubles (apparently the result of his sins) surrounded him in the same way as enemies who were ready to attack.
40:14-15 It is a common request for the disgrace intended by enemies against the psalmist to be turned back on them (7:14-16; 35:4,26; 70:3). Aha is an expression often associated with ridicule (see note at 35:21).
40:16-17 All who seek you is equivalent to those who are faithful to the Lord (see note at 9:9-10). The phrase oppressed and needy refers to those who are humble and dependent on the Lord as their only help (see notes at 34:6 and 35; 9-10).