Psalms

Psalms 40:1–10

I waited for the Lord and He lifted me from the pit; now I delight to do His will and tell of His great salvation in the assembly of His people.

Psalms 40:1–10 (WEB)

1 I waited patiently for Yahweh. He turned to me, and heard my cry.

2 He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay. He set my feet on a rock, and gave me a firm place to stand.

3 He has put a new song in my mouth, even praise to our God. Many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in Yahweh.

4 Blessed is the man who makes Yahweh his trust, and doesn’t respect the proud, nor such as turn away to lies.

5 Many, Yahweh, my God, are the wonderful works which you have done, and your thoughts which are toward us. They can’t be declared back to you. If I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be counted.

6 Sacrifice and offering you didn’t desire. You have opened my ears. You have not required burnt offering and sin offering.

7 Then I said, “Behold, I have come. It is written about me in the book in the scroll.

8 I delight to do your will, my God. Yes, your law is within my heart.”

9 I have proclaimed glad news of righteousness in the great assembly. Behold, I will not seal my lips, Yahweh, you know.

10 I have not hidden your righteousness within my heart. I have declared your faithfulness and your salvation. I have not concealed your loving kindness and your truth from the great assembly.

Central Idea

I waited for the Lord and He lifted me from the pit; now I delight to do His will and tell of His great salvation in the assembly of His people.

Authorial Intent

To offer public thanksgiving for a miraculous deliverance and to declare a renewed commitment to internal, volitional obedience over external religious ritual.

Chapter: Psalm 40

Waiting for the LORD, Delighting to Do His Will, and Pleading for Help

The LORD who lifts His waiting servant from the pit deserves public praise, heart-deep obedience, and renewed trust when sin, trouble, and enemies make fresh deliverance necessary.