Psalms 40 - Printer Friendly

David experienced danger many times in his life, often as threats from men who marked him out, specifically, for death. In those moments, he prayed to God and was rescued. In some moments, the danger seemed so dire that David saw no way out—like a person trapped in a deep, slimy hole with no escape. Poetically, David describes God saving him from that fate, resulting both in praise and an example from which others can learn (Psalm 40:1–3).

Old Testament books such as Psalms and Proverbs often extol the value of godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; Psalm 19:7–10). David echoes those themes here, warning against arrogance and lies. He also praises God for the many examples of mercy shown to His people, more than any one person could tell (Psalm 40:4–5).

Psalm 40:6–7 is cited in the book of Hebrews (Hebrews 10:5–9). In that text, the passage is used to explain how God's ultimate plan for humanity involved the obedient use of a specially prepared body: that of Jesus Christ. Hebrews quotes the Septuagint Greek translation, resulting in slightly different phrasing than the Old Testament Hebrew. David notes that God's primary desire is for obedience, and that the Lord had specifically created him with an ability to hear and obey. In response, David plans to honor God's will as explained in the written Word of God (Psalm 40:6–8).

Many of the psalms were written by David—he was not at all afraid to share his praise for God (Psalm 40:9–10).

After celebrating what God had done, David then turns to what God will do. In part, that includes forgiving David of his sins. Despite all his success, David was not ignorant to his own need for mercy. This prayer also asks God to continue to save him from his enemies. The phrasing here asks that those who mockingly hate David will be devastated by their own shame. Maintaining the attitude of humility, David praises God in advance for His response and celebrates the joy which should come naturally to all believers (Psalm 40:11–17).

Psalm 40:1–10 delivers a steady stream of thanksgiving, as David recounts the Lord's deliverance of him from his enemies. He is grateful for giving him a new lease on life. He commits himself to doing the Lord's will and to telling others about how the Lord delivered him from his enemies. Psalm 37:1–7 emphasizes the fact that the Lord delivers those who wait on Him and commit themselves to His will. Hebrews 10:5–9 quotes the Greek version of Psalm 40:6–8 and applies the passage to Jesus the Messiah.

Psalm 40:11–17 follows a passage focused mainly on David's thanksgiving for the Lord's past blessings. This section features his requests to God, based on the Lord's love and faithfulness. He asks the Lord to forgive his sins, rescue him from his enemies, and to fill God's people with praise when they recognize how David has been delivered. Psalm 38 contains similar themes to those of these closing verses of Psalm 40.

David waited on the Lord for quite some time to be delivered from his foes, and the Lord heard him. This remarkable deliverance would persuade many to trust in the Lord. David insists that no one can compare with the Lord. Verses 6–8 are messianic; Hebrews 10:5–9 applies them to Jesus. David shared this story with his fellow worshipers in the sanctuary. He was confident that the Lord would continue to show him His mercy, His steadfast love, and His faithfulness. David needed the Lord's help because he was conscious of his many sins, and he knew his enemies wanted to kill him. He concludes this psalm by humble acknowledging that the Lord thought about him and was his help and deliverer. He asks the Lord to come quickly to his defense.

In this psalm David offers praise to the Lord for meeting his needs. He may have composed this psalm during one of his exiles in the wilderness or during the infancy of his rule as Israel's king. Verses 1–5 may refer to his exile, and verses 6–10 may depict his dedication as king. Verses 11–17 tell of his prayer for forgiveness and his exaltation over his foes. Psalm 70 parallels Psalm 40:13–17. Hebrews 10:5–9 quotes Psalm 40:6–8, making the latter passage messianic.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.