Psalms 40:17

17 As for me, I am poor and needy; but the Lord takes thought for me. Thou art my help and my deliverer; do not tarry, O my God!

Psalms 40:17 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 40:17

But I [am] poor and needy
As Christ was literally, ( 2 Corinthians 8:9 ) ; and in a spiritual sense, when deserted by his Father, forsaken by his disciples, and surrounded by his enemies; and had the sins of his people, the curse of the law, and the wrath of God upon him;

[yet] the Lord thinketh upon me;
thinketh good for me, as the Targum; or thinks highly of me; has me in great esteem though despised of men, and in such a suffering state;

thou [art] my help and my deliverer;
he believed he should have what he prayed for, ( Psalms 40:13 ) ; see ( Isaiah 50:7-9 ) ;

make no tarrying, O my God;
which is a repetition of the request in ( Psalms 40:13 ) .

Psalms 40:17 In-Context

15 Let them be appalled because of their shame who say to me, "Aha, Aha!"
16 But may all who seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee; may those who love thy salvation say continually, "Great is the LORD!"
17 As for me, I am poor and needy; but the Lord takes thought for me. Thou art my help and my deliverer; do not tarry, O my God!
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.