401 I waited patiently for the Lord ; And He inclined to me and heard my cry . 2 He brought me up out of the pit of destruction , out of the miry clay , And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm . 3 He put a new song in my mouth , a song of praise to our God ; Many will see and fear And will trust in the Lord . 4 How blessed is the man who has made the Lord his trust , And has not turned to the proud , nor to those who lapse into falsehood . 5 Many , O Lord my God , are the wonders which You have done , And Your thoughts toward us; There is none to compare with You. If I would declare and speak of them, They would be too numerous to count .
6 Sacrifice and meal offering You have not desired ; My ears You have opened ; Burnt offering and sin offering You have not required . 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 ; Your Law is within my heart ." 9 I have proclaimed glad tidings of righteousness in the great congregation ; Behold , I will not restrain my lips , O Lord , You know . 10 I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart ; I have spoken of Your faithfulness and Your salvation ; I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great congregation .
11 You, O Lord , will not withhold Your compassion from me; Your lovingkindness and Your truth will continually preserve me. 12 For evils beyond e number have surrounded me; My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to see ; They are more numerous than the hairs of my head , And my heart has failed me. 13 Be pleased , O Lord , to deliver me; Make haste , O Lord , to help me. 14 Let those be ashamed and humiliated together Who seek my life to destroy it; Let those be turned back and dishonored Who delight in my hurt . 15 Let those be appalled because e of their shame Who say to me, "Aha , aha !" 16 Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let those who love Your salvation say continually , "The Lord be magnified !" 17 Since I am afflicted and needy , Let the Lord be mindful of me. You are my help and my deliverer ; Do not delay , O my God .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 40:1-26
Commentary on Psalm 40:1-5
(Read Psalm 40:1-5)
Doubts and fears about the eternal state, are a horrible pit and miry clay, and have been so to many a dear child of God. There is power enough in God to help the weakest, and grace enough to help the unworthiest of all that trust in him. The psalmist waited patiently; he continued believing, hoping, and praying. This is applicable to Christ. His agony, in the garden and on the cross, was a horrible pit and miry clay. But those that wait patiently for God do not wait in vain. Those that have been under religious melancholy, and by the grace of God have been relieved, may apply verse 2 very feelingly to themselves; they are brought up out of a horrible pit. Christ is the Rock on which a poor soul can alone stand fast. Where God has given stedfast hope, he expects there should be a steady, regular walk and conduct. God filled the psalmist with joy, as well as peace in believing. Multitudes, by faith beholding the sufferings and glory of Christ, have learned to fear the justice and trust in the mercy of God through Him. Many are the benefits with which we are daily loaded, both by the providence and by the grace of God.
Commentary on Psalm 40:6-10
(Read Psalm 40:6-10)
The psalmist foretells that work of wonder, redemption by our Lord Jesus Christ. The Substance must come, which is Christ, who must bring that glory to God, and that grace to man, which it was impossible the sacrifices should ever do. Observe the setting apart of our Lord Jesus to the work and office of Mediator. In the volume, or roll, of the book it was written of him. In the close rolls of the Divine decrees and counsel, the covenant of redemption was recorded. Also, in all the volumes of the Old Testament something was written of him, John 19:28. Now the purchase of our salvation is made, the proclamation is sent forth, calling us to come and accept it. It was preached freely and openly. Whoever undertook to preach the gospel of Christ, would be under great temptation to conceal it; but Christ, and those he calls to that work, are carried on in it. May we believe his testimony, trust his promise, and submit to his authority.
Commentary on Psalm 40:11-17
(Read Psalm 40:11-17)
The best saints see themselves undone, unless continually preserved by the grace of God. But see the frightful view the psalmist had of sin. This made the discovery of a Redeemer so welcome. In all his reflections upon each step of his life, he discovered something amiss. The sight and sense of our sins in their own colours, must distract us, if we have not at the same time some sight of a Saviour. If Christ has triumphed over our spiritual enemies, then we, through him, shall be more than conquerors. This may encourage all that seek God and love his salvation, to rejoice in him, and to praise him. No griefs nor poverty can render those miserable who fear the Lord. Their God, and all that he has or does, is the ground of their joy. The prayer of faith can unlock his fulness, which is adapted to all their wants. The promises are sure, the moment of fulfilment hastens forward. He who once came in great humility, shall come again in glorious majesty.