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Psalms, 40

1. (To the choir-master. A psalm. Of David.)

2. Blessed is that man who takes thought for the poor and the destitute; the Lord will keep him safe in time of trouble.

3. The Lord will watch over him, and give him long life and happiness on earth, and baulk his enemies of their will.

4. The Lord will sustain him when he lies bed-ridden, turn all to health in his sickness.

5. Lord have mercy on me, is my prayer; bring healing to a soul that has sinned against thee.

6. Bitterly my enemies taunt me; How long, they ask, ere he will die, and his name be forgotten?

7. When one comes to visit me, he comes with smooth words, his heart full of malice, ready to go out and plot against me.

8. There they stand, my enemies, talking of me in whispers, devising hurt;

9. Here is a foul plague loosed on him; he will leave his bed no more.

10. Why, the very man I trusted most, my own intimate friend, who shared my bread, has lifted his heel to trip me up.✻

11. Lord, have mercy on me; give me back health, and let me requite them!

12. Proof of thy favour, my enemies are baulked of their triumph;

13. thou dost befriend my innocence; nevermore wilt thou banish me from thy presence.

14. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, from the beginning to the end of time, Amen, Amen.


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Footnotes:

40:1-3 - The psalmist's trust in God and his waiting for an answer are fundamental. God hears and answers, showing that patience in prayer is rewarded with deliverance and new songs of praise (see also Psalm 34:17 and Psalm 145:19).

40:4-5 - The blessedness of those who trust in the Lord highlights the importance of faith. The psalmist recalls God's wonders and His plan for life, highlighting gratitude as a response to salvation (see also Psalm 103:2 and Ephesians 2:4-7).

40:6-8 - The psalmist expresses that God is not pleased with empty sacrifices, but seeks a willing heart. This idea points to the need for authenticity in worship (see also 1 Samuel 15:22 and Romans 12:1).

40:9-10 - The proclamation of righteousness and the declaration of the gospel reflect the believer's call to share the good news. The responsibility to witness is an important part of the life of faith (see also Matthew 28:19-20 and Mark 16:15).

40:11-13 - Asking for mercy and help in times of need emphasizes our continued dependence on God. Humility and seeking divine help are essential in the Christian walk (see also Psalm 54:1 and Philippians 4:6-7).

Verses related to Psalms, 40:

Psalm 40 is a song of gratitude and consecration. How does the psalmist respond to divine deliverance? This psalm of David begins with a testimony of rescue and ends with a plea for continued help. The text addresses topics such as patience in waiting for God, the proclamation of divine works and total surrender to God's will. Psalm 40 inspires a response of praise and obedience to God's grace. Consider with us five biblical passages that correlate with the gratitude expressed in this inspiring psalm.

Hebrews 10:5-7: "Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: 'Sacrifice and offering you did not want, but a body you prepared for me; you did not enjoy burnt offerings and sin offerings.' Then I said: Here I am, in the book it is written about me; I came to do your will, O God'." - The author of Hebrews directly quotes Psalm 40:6-8, applying it to Christ.

Acts 13:32-33: "We announce to you the good news: what God promised to our ancestors he fulfilled for us, their children, by resurrecting Jesus, as it is also written in the second Psalm: 'You are my son; I have begotten you today.'" - This passage exemplifies how the "new song" mentioned in Psalm 40:3 can refer to the gospel.

James 5:11: "As you know, we consider those who show perseverance to be happy. You have heard about Job's patience and seen the end the Lord brought him. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy." - The perseverance mentioned here reflects the patient waiting described in Psalm 40:1.

Revelation 5:9: "And they sang a new song: 'You are worthy to receive the book and to open its seals, for you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.'" - This "new song" in heaven echoes the "new song" mentioned in Psalm 40:3.

Romans 10:9: "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." - This passage about proclaiming faith relates to Psalm 40:9-10, where the psalmist speaks of proclaiming the righteousness of God.

FAQ:

What does Psalm 40 say about God's faithfulness?

Psalm 40 highlights God's faithfulness in answering David's prayers, delivering him from distress and placing him in a place of safety. (Psalm 40:1-3)

How does Psalm 40 express gratitude to God?

Psalm 40 expresses David's gratitude for God's salvation and help, promising to proclaim His faithfulness before all. (Psalm 40:9-10)

What is the importance of sacrifice and obedience in Psalm 40?

Psalm 40 emphasizes that God prefers obedience to sacrifice. David recognizes that a willingness to do God's will is more valuable than offerings. (Psalm 40:6-8)

What does Psalm 40 say about hope in God?

Psalm 40 teaches that even in difficult times, our hope should be placed in God, who gives us strength and delivers us from adversity. (Psalm 40:17)

How does Psalm 40 speak about David's enemies?

Psalm 40 shows that David faces opposition from enemies, but he trusts that God will protect him and will not allow the wicked to prevail. (Psalm 40:14-15)


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