Psalm 40

Psalm 40 is a psalm of David expressing thanksgiving for God's deliverance and faithfulness. It begins with praise for past rescue, shifts to a personal reflection on trusting God rather than rituals, and concludes with pleas for further help. David highlights the importance of trusting in God, reflecting on the joy of obedience, and the struggles he still faces, asking God to deliver him once again.

Psalm 40:1-3 (NKJV)
1 I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry.
2 He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps.
3 He has put a new song in my mouth— Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the Lord.

David reflects on how God rescued him from a hopeless situation, likening it to being pulled from a pit of despair. His deliverance leads to a renewed sense of stability, symbolized by being set on a rock. This rescue inspires a new song of praise, not just for David but as a testimony to others, encouraging them to place their trust in God.

Psalm 40:4-5 (NKJV)
4 Blessed is that man who makes the Lord his trust, And does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
5 Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works Which You have done; And Your thoughts toward us Cannot be recounted to You in order; If I would declare and speak of them, They are more than can be numbered.

Trusting in God rather than relying on human pride or falsehood leads to blessings. David acknowledges the countless works and thoughts of God toward His people, emphasizing that they are too numerous to recount. This reveals God’s faithfulness and generosity toward those who place their trust in Him.

Psalm 40:6-8 (NKJV)
6 Sacrifice and offering You did not desire; My ears You have opened. Burnt offering and sin offering You did not require.
7 Then I said, “Behold, I come; In the scroll of the book it is written of me.
8 I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart.”

David declares that God desires obedience and a willing heart more than ritual sacrifices. He embraces God's will, seeing it as a source of joy, and internalizes God’s law in his heart. This foreshadows the emphasis on heartfelt obedience found in the New Covenant and points to Christ, who perfectly fulfilled God’s will.

Psalm 40:9-10 (NKJV)
9 I have proclaimed the good news of righteousness In the great assembly; Indeed, I do not restrain my lips, O Lord, You Yourself know.
10 I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth From the great assembly.

David proclaims God’s righteousness publicly, sharing the message of God’s faithfulness and salvation. He emphasizes that he has not kept these truths to himself but openly testified to God’s lovingkindness and truth. This reflects the believer’s responsibility to share the good news with others.

Psalm 40:11-12 (NKJV)
11 Do not withhold Your tender mercies from me, O Lord; Let Your lovingkindness and Your truth continually preserve me.
12 For innumerable evils have surrounded me; My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up; They are more than the hairs of my head; Therefore my heart fails me.

David shifts to a plea for God’s continued mercy, recognizing that he faces overwhelming challenges. He admits his own sins and their weight, describing them as so numerous they cause despair. This moment of vulnerability highlights the need for God's grace not only in external circumstances but also in dealing with personal failures.

Psalm 40:13-15 (NKJV)
13 Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me; O Lord, make haste to help me!
14 Let them be ashamed and brought to mutual confusion Who seek to destroy my life; Let them be driven backward and brought to dishonor Who wish me evil.
15 Let them be confounded because of their shame, Who say to me, “Aha, aha!”

David urgently calls for God’s deliverance, asking that his enemies be put to shame and confusion. The request reflects his trust that God will vindicate him and frustrate the efforts of those who seek to harm him. This plea shows David’s confidence in God's justice and protection.

Psalm 40:16-17 (NKJV)
16 Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let such as love Your salvation say continually, “The Lord be magnified!”
17 But I am poor and needy; Yet the Lord thinks upon me. You are my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God.

David concludes the psalm by encouraging those who seek God to rejoice and magnify the Lord. Despite his own lowly state, he expresses confidence that God cares for him personally. The psalm ends with a final plea for God’s help and timely intervention, trusting in God as his deliverer.