Psalm 40:9

9 I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; see, I do not keep my mouth closed^[a] -as You know, Lord.

Psalm 40:9 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 40:9

I have preached righteousness in the great congregation
Not the righteousness which the law requires men to do; but the righteousness which Christ himself wrought out, for the justification of them that believe; this he was a preacher, as well as the author of, and is part of the glad tidings he was anointed to preach, ( Isaiah 61:1 ) ; and the word ^F14 here used signifies, for the most part, the publishing of good tidings; and this our Lord did publicly, before all the people, in the synagogues of the Jews, and in the temple, whither the people in great numbers resorted; especially at the three great festivals in the year; the feasts of passover, pentecost, and tabernacles, when all the males were obliged to appear, and made up a great congregation indeed; see ( John 2:23 ) ( John 5:1 John 5:14 ) ( 8:2 ) ( 18:20 ) ;

lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest;
Christ appeals to his divine Father, the searcher of hearts, and trier of reins, for the truth of this; that he had not laid any restraint upon his lips, nor kept back anything in his ministry that was profitable; but had taught the way of God in great integrity and sincerity; had opened his mouth, and spoke freely and fully, and used great plainness of speech.

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FOOTNOTES:

F14 (ytrvb) (euhggelisamhn) Sept. "evangelizavi", Schmidt, Michaelis; "I have preached the glad tidings of justice", Ainsworth.

Psalm 40:9 In-Context

7 Then I said, "See, I have come; it is written about me in the volume of the scroll.

8 I delight to do Your will, my God; Your instruction resides within me."

9 I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; see, I do not keep my mouth closed -as You know, Lord.

10 I did not hide Your righteousness in my heart; I spoke about Your faithfulness and salvation; I did not conceal Your constant love and truth from the great assembly.

11 Lord, do not withhold Your compassion from me; Your constant love and truth will always guard me.

Footnotes

• [a] Lit not restrain my lips