Psalms 40

Ps 40 This psalm includes a thanksgiving song (40:1-10) followed by a lament (40:11-17). The thanksgiving song includes the reason for the thanksgiving (40:1-5), an affirmation of commitment (40:6-8), and a public testimony of God’s character (40:7-10). The lament concerns the psalmist’s troubles because of his sins (40:11-12) and is followed by two prayers for vindication (40:13-15, 17).40:1-5 The psalmist thanks the Lord for his rescue and testifies that God can be trusted.

40:6 The Lord delights in the attitude and character of the person making an offering more than in the offering itself. • Now that you have made me listen, I finally understand: Greek text reads You have given me a body. In Heb 10:5-7, the writer quotes from the Greek version of Ps 40:6-8. He casts the words as something Jesus said as he left heaven and came into the world.

40:7 As is written about me in the Scriptures: Moses had recorded God’s requirements for Israel’s kings in Deut 17:14-15.

40:11 The psalmist prays that the Lord will be true to his character when answering this plea for mercy.

40:12-17 The psalmist is troubled by both his adversities and his own sins and prays for rescue. • This passage is repeated almost verbatim as Ps 70.