
Text -- Psalms 40:1-4 (NET)




Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics



collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)
Desperate dangers and calamities.

Wesley: Psa 40:3 - -- Shall stand in awe of that God, whom they see to have so great power, either to save or to destroy.
Shall stand in awe of that God, whom they see to have so great power, either to save or to destroy.

Wesley: Psa 40:4 - -- Or, the mighty, the great and proud potentates of the world, to whom most men are apt to look and trust.
Or, the mighty, the great and proud potentates of the world, to whom most men are apt to look and trust.

From God, in whom alone they ought to trust.

Wesley: Psa 40:4 - -- To lying vanities, such as worldly power and wisdom, and riches, and all other earthly things, or persons, in which men are prone to trust: which are ...
To lying vanities, such as worldly power and wisdom, and riches, and all other earthly things, or persons, in which men are prone to trust: which are called lies, because they promise more than they perform.
JFB: Psa 40:1-3 - -- In this Psalm a celebration of God's deliverance is followed by a profession of devotion to His service. Then follows a prayer for relief from imminen...
In this Psalm a celebration of God's deliverance is followed by a profession of devotion to His service. Then follows a prayer for relief from imminent dangers, involving the overthrow of enemies and the rejoicing of sympathizing friends. In Heb 10:5, &c., Paul quotes Psa 40:6-8 as the words of Christ, offering Himself as a better sacrifice. Some suppose Paul thus accommodated David's words to express Christ's sentiments. But the value of his quotation would be thus destroyed, as it would have no force in his argument, unless regarded by his readers as the original sense of the passage in the Old Testament. Others suppose the Psalm describes David's feelings in suffering and joy; but the language quoted by Paul, in the sense given by him, could not apply to David in any of his relations, for as a type the language is not adapted to describe any event or condition of David's career, and as an individual representing the pious generally, neither he nor they could properly use it (see on Psa 40:7, below). The Psalm must be taken then, as the sixteenth, to express the feelings of Christ's human nature. The difficulties pertinent to this view will be considered as they occur. (Psa. 40:1-17)
The figures for deep distress are illustrated in Jeremiah's history (Jer 38:6-12). Patience and trust manifested in distress, deliverance in answer to prayer, and the blessed effect of it in eliciting praise from God's true worshippers, teach us that Christ's suffering is our example, and His deliverance our encouragement (Heb 5:7-8; Heb 12:3; 1Pe 4:12-16).

Literally, "turns towards," as an object of confidence.

From true God and His law to falsehood in worship and conduct.
Clarke: Psa 40:1 - -- I waited patiently for the Lord - The two preceding Psalms are proofs of the patience and resignation with which David waited for the mercy of God. ...
I waited patiently for the Lord - The two preceding Psalms are proofs of the patience and resignation with which David waited for the mercy of God. The reader is requested to consult the notes on them

Clarke: Psa 40:1 - -- And heard my cry - The two preceding Psalms show how he prayed and waited; this shows how he succeeded.
And heard my cry - The two preceding Psalms show how he prayed and waited; this shows how he succeeded.

Clarke: Psa 40:2 - -- A horrible pit - Literally, the sounding pit; where nothing was heard except the howlings of wild beasts, or the hollow sounds of winds reverberated...
A horrible pit - Literally, the sounding pit; where nothing was heard except the howlings of wild beasts, or the hollow sounds of winds reverberated and broken from the craggy sides and roof

Clarke: Psa 40:2 - -- The miry clay - Where the longer I stayed the deeper I sank, and was utterly unable to save myself. The Syriac and Arabic translate "The pit of perd...
The miry clay - Where the longer I stayed the deeper I sank, and was utterly unable to save myself. The Syriac and Arabic translate "The pit of perdition, and the mud of corruption."These are figurative expressions to point out the dreary, dismal, ruinous state of sin and guilt, and the utter inability of a condemned sinner to save himself either from the guilt of his conscience, or the corruption of his heart

Clarke: Psa 40:2 - -- Set my feet upon a rock - Thou hast changed my state from guilt to pardon; from corruption to holiness; in consequence of which my goings are establ...
Set my feet upon a rock - Thou hast changed my state from guilt to pardon; from corruption to holiness; in consequence of which my goings are established. I have now power over all sin, and can walk steadily in the way that leads to God’ s kingdom.

Clarke: Psa 40:3 - -- A new song - Cheerfulness and joy had long been strangers to him. He seemed to live to utter the most doleful complaints, and be a prey to suffering...
A new song - Cheerfulness and joy had long been strangers to him. He seemed to live to utter the most doleful complaints, and be a prey to suffering and wretchedness. Praise for a sense of God’ s favor was a new song to him. The word is often used to signify excellence: I will sing a most excellent and eminent song

Clarke: Psa 40:3 - -- Many shalt see it - I will publish it abroad and fear-to sin against the Lord, knowing by my example what a grievous and bitter thing it is
Many shalt see it - I will publish it abroad and fear-to sin against the Lord, knowing by my example what a grievous and bitter thing it is

Clarke: Psa 40:3 - -- And shall trust in the Lord - Even the worst of sinners shall not despair of mercy, being penitent, when they see that I have found favor in his sig...
And shall trust in the Lord - Even the worst of sinners shall not despair of mercy, being penitent, when they see that I have found favor in his sight.

Clarke: Psa 40:4 - -- Blessed is that man - The man must be blessed and happy who casts his soul with all its burden of sin and wretchedness, at the footstool of God̵...
Blessed is that man - The man must be blessed and happy who casts his soul with all its burden of sin and wretchedness, at the footstool of God’ s mercy; for he will save all who come to him through the Son of his love.
Calvin: Psa 40:1 - -- 1.In waiting I waited The beginning of this psalm is an expression of thanksgiving, in which David relates that he had been delivered, not only from ...
1.In waiting I waited The beginning of this psalm is an expression of thanksgiving, in which David relates that he had been delivered, not only from danger, but also from present death. Some are of opinion, but without good reason, that it ought to be understood of sickness. It is rather to be supposed that David here comprehends a multitude of dangers from which he had escaped. He had certainly been more than once exposed to the greatest danger, even of death, so that, with good reason, he might be said to have been swallowed up in the gulf of death, and sunk in the miry clay It, nevertheless, appears that his faith had still continued firm, for he ceased not to trust in God, although the long continuance of the calamity had well nigh exhausted his patience. He tells us, not merely that he had waited, but by the repetition of the same expression, he shows that he had been a long time in anxious suspense. In proportion then as his trial was prolonged, the evidence and proof of his faith in enduring the delay with calmness and equanimity of mind was so much the more apparent. The meaning in short is, that although God delayed his help, yet the heart of David did not faint, or grow weary from delay; but that after he had given, as it were, sufficient proof of his patience, he was at length heard. In his example there is set before us this very useful doctrine, that although God may not forthwith appear for our help, but rather of design keep us in suspense and perplexity, yet we must not lose courage, inasmuch as faith is not thoroughly tried, except by long endurance. The result, too, of which he speaks in terms of praise, ought to inspire us with increased fortitude. God may succor us more slowly than we desire, but, when he seems to take no notice of our condition, or, if we might so speak, when he seems to be inactive or to sleep, this is totally different from deceit: for if we are enabled by the invincible strength and power of faith to endure, the fitting season of our deliverance will at length arrive.

Calvin: Psa 40:2 - -- 2.And he drew me out of the roaring pit Some translate, from the pit of desolation, 80 because the verb שאה , shaah, from which the noun שא...
2.And he drew me out of the roaring pit Some translate, from the pit of desolation, 80 because the verb

Calvin: Psa 40:3 - -- 3.And he hath put into my mouth a new song In the first clause of the verse he concludes the description of what God had done for him. By God’s put...
3.And he hath put into my mouth a new song In the first clause of the verse he concludes the description of what God had done for him. By God’s putting a new song into his mouth he denotes the consummation of his deliverance. In whatever way God is pleased to succor us, he asks nothing else from us in return but that we should be thankful for and remember it. As often, therefore, as he bestows benefits upon us, so often does he open our mouths to praise his name. Since God, by acting liberally towards us, encourages us to sing his praises, David with good reason reckons, that having been so wonderfully delivered, the matter of a new song had been furnished to him. He uses the word new in the sense of exquisite and not ordinary, even as the manner of his deliverance was singular and worthy of everlasting remembrance. It is true, that there is no benefit of God so small that it ought not to call forth our highest praises; but the more mightily he stretches forth his hand to help us, the more does it become us to stir up ourselves to fervent zeal in this holy exercise, so that our songs may correspond to the greatness of the favor which has been conferred upon us.
Many shall see it Here the Psalmist extends still farther the fruit of the aid which he had experienced, telling us, that it will prove the means of instruction common to all. And certainly it is the will of God that the benefits which he bestows upon any individual of the faithful should be proofs of the goodness which he constantly exercises towards all of them, so that the one, instructed by the example of the other, should not doubt that the same grace will be manifested towards himself. The terms fear, and hope, or trust, do not seem at first view to harmonise; but David has not improperly joined them together; for no man will ever entertain the hope of the favor of God but he whose mind is first imbued with the fear of God. I understand fear in general to mean the feeling of piety which is produced in us by the knowledge of the power, equity, and mercy of God. The judgment which God executed against the enemies of David served, it is true, to inspire all men with fear; but, in my opinion, David rather means, that by the deliverance which he had obtained, many would be induced to yield themselves to the service of God, and to submit with all reverence to his authority, because they would know him to be the Judge of the world. Now, whoever submits cordially to the will of God will of necessity join hope with fear; especially when there is presented to his view the evidence of the grace by which God commonly allures all men to himself; for I have already said that God is presented to our view as merciful and kind to others, that we may assure ourselves that he will be the same towards us. As to the word see, of which David makes use, we are to understand it as referring not only to the eyes, but chiefly to the perception of the mind. All without distinction saw what had happened, but to many of them it never occurred to recognize the deliverance of David as the work of God. Since, then, so many are blind regarding the works of God, let us learn, that those only are considered to see clearly to whom the Spirit of understanding has been given, that they may not occupy their minds in dwelling upon the mere events which take place, but may discern in them by faith the secret hand of God.

Calvin: Psa 40:4 - -- 4.Blessed is the man who hath set Jehovah for his confidence David here relates what ground for good hope his deliverance would give to all the faith...
4.Blessed is the man who hath set Jehovah for his confidence David here relates what ground for good hope his deliverance would give to all the faithful; inasmuch as, setting aside all the allurements of the world, they would thereby be encouraged to commit themselves with confidence to the protection of God; persuaded not only that they are happy who trust in him alone, but that all other expectations at variance with this are deceitful and cursed. This assurance is not natural to us, but is derived partly from the word of God, and partly from his works; although, as I have said before, the contemplation alone of the works of God would not kindle this light within us, unless God, illuminating us by his word, should show us his benevolence. After having promised to be gracious to us, in manifesting also his goodness by indubitable proofs, he confirms with his own hand what he had previously uttered with his lips. David, therefore, from the fact of his having been restored to life from the abyss of death, justly declares that the faithful are taught from this proof — what men are naturally so reluctant to believe — that they are happy who trust in God alone.
As the instability of our nature commonly tends to draw us downward, and as all of us, from our proneness to yield to delusions, are tempted by many wicked examples, David immediately adds, that he is blessed who regardeth not the proud Some, indeed, render
TSK: Psa 40:1 - -- am 2970, bc 1034 (Title), This psalm is supposed to have been composed by David about the same time, and on the same occasion, as the two preceding; w...
am 2970, bc 1034 (Title), This psalm is supposed to have been composed by David about the same time, and on the same occasion, as the two preceding; with this difference, that here he magnifies God for have obtained the mercy which he sought there. It also contains a remarkable prophecy of the incarnation and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
I waited : Heb. In waiting I waited, Psa 27:13, Psa 27:14, Psa 37:7; Jam 5:7-11

TSK: Psa 40:2 - -- brought : Psa 18:16, Psa 18:17, Psa 71:20, Psa 86:13, Psa 116:3, Psa 142:6, Psa 142:7, Psa 143:3; Isa 24:22; Jon 2:5, Jon 2:6; Zec 9:11; Act 2:24, Act...
brought : Psa 18:16, Psa 18:17, Psa 71:20, Psa 86:13, Psa 116:3, Psa 142:6, Psa 142:7, Psa 143:3; Isa 24:22; Jon 2:5, Jon 2:6; Zec 9:11; Act 2:24, Act 2:27-31
horrible pit : Heb. pit of noise, Mat 13:50
the miry : Psa 69:2, Psa 69:14, Psa 69:15; Jer 38:6-12; Lam 3:53-55
set : Psa 27:5, Psa 61:2; Mat 7:24, Mat 7:25
established : Psa 17:5, Psa 18:36, Psa 37:23, Psa 119:133

TSK: Psa 40:3 - -- And he : Psa 33:3, Psa 144:9; Rev 5:9, Rev 5:10, Rev 14:3
praise : Psa 103:1-5; Isa 12:1-4
many : Psa 34:1-6, Psa 35:27, Psa 52:6, Psa 64:9, Psa 64:10...
And he : Psa 33:3, Psa 144:9; Rev 5:9, Rev 5:10, Rev 14:3
praise : Psa 103:1-5; Isa 12:1-4
many : Psa 34:1-6, Psa 35:27, Psa 52:6, Psa 64:9, Psa 64:10, Psa 142:7; Hos 3:5; Act 2:31-41, Act 4:4

TSK: Psa 40:4 - -- Blessed : Psa 2:12, Psa 34:8, Psa 84:11, Psa 84:12, Psa 118:8, Psa 118:9; Jer 17:7, Jer 17:8; Rom 15:12, Rom 15:13
respecteth : Psa 15:4, Psa 101:3-7,...
Blessed : Psa 2:12, Psa 34:8, Psa 84:11, Psa 84:12, Psa 118:8, Psa 118:9; Jer 17:7, Jer 17:8; Rom 15:12, Rom 15:13
respecteth : Psa 15:4, Psa 101:3-7, Psa 119:21
as turn : Psa 125:5; Isa 44:18-20; Jer 10:14, Jer 10:15; Jon 2:8; 2Th 2:9-11

collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)
Barnes: Psa 40:1 - -- I waited patiently for the Lord - Margin, as in Hebrew, "In waiting I waited."That is, "I continued to wait."It was not a single, momentary act...
I waited patiently for the Lord - Margin, as in Hebrew, "In waiting I waited."That is, "I continued to wait."It was not a single, momentary act of expectation or hope; it was continuous; or, was persevered in. The idea is, that his prayer was not answered at once, but that it was answered after he had made repeated prayers, or when it seemed as if his prayers would not be answered. It is earnest, persevering prayer that is referred to; it is continued supplication and hope when there seemed to be no answer to prayer, and no prospect that it would be answered.
And he inclined unto me - That is, ultimately he heard and answered me; or he turned himself favorably toward me, as the result of "persevering"prayer. The word "inclined"here means properly "bowed;"that is, he "bent forward"to hearken, or to place his ear near my mouth and to hear me. At first, he seemed as one that would not hear; as one that throws his head backward or turns his head away. Ultimately, however, he bent forward to receive my prayer.
And heard my cry - The cry or supplication which I made for help; the cry which I directed to him in the depth of my sorrows and my danger, Psa 40:2. As applied to the Redeemer, this would refer to the fact that in his sorrows, in the deep sorrows connected with the work of redemption, he persevered in calling on God, and that God heard him, and raised him up to glory and joy. See Mat 26:36-46. Compare the notes at Heb 5:7. The time supposed to be referred to, is after his sufferings were closed; after his work was done; "after"he rose from the dead. It is the language of grateful remembrance which we may suppose he uttered in the review of the amazing sorrows through which he had passed in making the atonement, and in the recollection that God had kept him in those sorrows, and had brought him up from such a depth of woe to such a height of glory.

Barnes: Psa 40:2 - -- He brought me up also out of an horrible pit - Margin: "A pit of noise."The word used here means a pit; a cistern; a prison; a dungeon; a grave...
He brought me up also out of an horrible pit - Margin: "A pit of noise."The word used here means a pit; a cistern; a prison; a dungeon; a grave. This last signification of the word is found in Psa 28:1; Psa 30:4; Psa 88:4; Isa 38:18; Isa 14:19. It may refer to any calamity - or to trouble, like being in a pit - or it may refer to the grave. The word rendered "horrible"-
Out of the miry clay - At the bottom of the pit. Where there was no solid ground - no rock on which to stand. See Jer 38:6; Psa 69:2, Psa 69:14.
And set my feet upon a rock - Where there was firm standing.
And established my goings - Or, fixed my steps. That is, he enabled me to walk as on solid ground; he conducted me along safely, where there was no danger of descending to the pit again or of sinking in the mire. If we understand this of the Redeemer, it refers to that time when, his sorrows ended, and his work of atonement done, it became certain that he would never be exposed again to such dangers, or sink into such a depth of woes, but that his course ever onward would be one of safety and of glory.

Barnes: Psa 40:3 - -- And he hath put a new song in my mouth - See the notes at Psa 33:3. The idea is, that he had given a new or fresh "occasion"for praise. The del...
And he hath put a new song in my mouth - See the notes at Psa 33:3. The idea is, that he had given a new or fresh "occasion"for praise. The deliverance was so marked, and was such an addition to former mercies, that a new expression of thanks was proper. It was an act of such surprising intervention on the part of God that the language used on former occasions, and which was adapted to express the mercies then received, would not be sufficient to convey the sense of gratitude felt for the present deliverance. As applied to the Messiah, and referring (as it was supposed in the notes at Psa 40:2) to his being raised up to glory after the depth of his sorrows, it would mean that no language hitherto employed to express gratitude to God would be adequate to the occasion, but that the language of a new song of praise would be demanded to celebrate so great an event.
Even praise unto our God - " To our God;"identifying himself, as the Messiah does, with his people, and expressing the idea that the new song of praise was appropriate to them as well as to "himself,"since they would be benefited by his work, and since God was their God as well as his. Compare Joh 20:17.
Many shall see it - Great numbers of the human race shall be made acquainted with the occasion which there was for such a song.
And fear - Learn to reverence, to worship, to honor God, as the result of what had been done.
And shall trust in the Lord - Shall confide in God; shall put their trust in him; shall become his true worshippers and friends:
(a) as the effect of this merciful interposition in behalf of him who had been thus in trouble or distress, and who was enabled to triumph;
(b) as the result of the work accomplished by him.
The effect of the Redeemer’ s sorrows, and of God’ s merciful help, would be that great numbers would learn to put their trust in God, or would become his true friends. No man, in fact, can compute the "numbers"of those who, in consequence of the work of the Messiah, will turn to God and become his true worshippers and friends.

Barnes: Psa 40:4 - -- Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust - See the notes at Psa 34:8. Compare Psa 27:1. Literally, here, "The blessings of the man wh...
Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust - See the notes at Psa 34:8. Compare Psa 27:1. Literally, here, "The blessings of the man who places Yahweh for his confidence;"that is, who makes Him his seeurity, or who feels that his security for happiness and salvation is in Him.
And respecteth not the proud - The haughty, or those who are confident in themselves. Literally, "who looks not to the proud;"that is, who does not depend on them for help and for salvation.
Nor such as turn aside to lies - Who depart from the straight path, and incline to that which is false and deceitful. The reference is to those who are easily made to swerve from that which is true and honest to that which is delusive and false. Their integrity cannot be confided in. There is no security that they will be disposed to do right. The idea is, that the man who trusts in God is blessed or happy, as compared with one who trusts in man; man confident in himself; man liable to fall into error; man who is easily led astray; man who is deceitful, and who cannot, therefore, be relied on. God is mighty, but not haughty; God never is drawn aside from the truth; he never deceives.
Poole: Psa 40:2 - -- I waited patiently Heb. in waiting I waited ; which doubling of the word notes that he waited diligently and earnestly, patiently and perseveringly,...
I waited patiently Heb. in waiting I waited ; which doubling of the word notes that he waited diligently and earnestly, patiently and perseveringly, until God should please to help him. He inclined , or, bowed , to wit, himself , as this very word is rendered, Jud 16:30 ; or, his ear , as it is more fully expressed, Psa 17:6 31:2 . Such ellipses or defects are frequent in Scripture, as Psa 3:6 10:1 Ecc 6:3 7:15 .
Out of an horrible pit or, out of a sounding pit so called either from the clamours of men or beasts falling into it; or from the many waters which fall down into it, not without a great noise. I was not only upon the brink, but in the very bottom of the pit, i.e. in desperate dangers and calamities, as this phrase signifies, Psa 18:16 69:1,2 .
Out of the miry clay in which my feet stuck fast.
Upon a rock a place of strength and safety.
My goings or, my steps , i.e. kept me from stumbling or falling into mischief.

Poole: Psa 40:3 - -- He hath put a new song in my mouth partly by giving me new matter or occasion for a song; and partly by inspiring me with the very words of it.
Shal...
He hath put a new song in my mouth partly by giving me new matter or occasion for a song; and partly by inspiring me with the very words of it.
Shall see it i.e. shall observe God’ s wonderful mercies vouchsafed to me.
And fear i.e. shall stand in awe of that God, who by this instance they see to have so great power, either to save or to destroy, and tremble at his judgments, and give him that reverence, and worship, and obedience which he requires. Yet their fear shall not drive them from God, or bring them into despair, but shall draw them to God, and be attended with trusting in God.

Poole: Psa 40:4 - -- His trust i.e. his only trust or refuge, as appears from the following words: q.d. I said, many shall trust in the Lord ; and they shall not be lose...
His trust i.e. his only trust or refuge, as appears from the following words: q.d. I said, many shall trust in the Lord ; and they shall not be losers by it, nor disappointed of their hope, but they are and shall be blessed.
Respecteth not Heb. looketh not towards , to wit, with love and delight, and desire to imitate them; or with confidence and expectation of relief from thence, as this phrase is oft used, as Psa 25:15 69:3 121:1 141:8 , and as the opposition of this clause to the foregoing seems to imply.
The proud or, the mighty , i.e. the great and proud potentates of the world, to whom most men are apt to look and trust, and in whom the psalmist forbids us to put our trust, Psa 146:3 .
Such as turn aside to wit, from God, in whom alone they ought to trust.
To lies i.e. to lying vanities, such as worldly power, and wisdom, and riches, and all other earthly things or persons in which men are prone to trust; which are called lies here, and Psa 4:2 62:9 Mic 1:14 , and elsewhere, because they promise more than they can perform. See also Psa 7:14 119:18 Hos 10:13 12:1 .
Haydock: Psa 40:1 - -- The happiness of him that shall believe in Christ; notwithstanding the humility and poverty in which he shall come: the malice of his enemies, especia...
The happiness of him that shall believe in Christ; notwithstanding the humility and poverty in which he shall come: the malice of his enemies, especially the traitor Judas.

Haydock: Psa 40:1 - -- Himself; implying, that David composed this psalm, though the word is not expressed in Hebrew or Greek. (Berthier; T. iii.) ---
The same articles, ...
Himself; implying, that David composed this psalm, though the word is not expressed in Hebrew or Greek. (Berthier; T. iii.) ---
The same articles, however, occur, which have been thus rendered before. (Haydock) ---
Some explain this psalm of the sickness of Ezechias, (Ven. Bede) or of that of David, a little before the revolt of Absalom. (Rab. Muis; Bossuet) ---
This may be described as a figure of our Saviour's sufferings. (Calmet) ---
For it would be rash not to acknowledge, that He is here the principal object in view, (Theodoret) since he has applied (ver. 10.) to the traitor's conduct, (Calmet) and all the rest may properly allude to the same events. The psalmist speaks of the Messias in the six first verses, and introduces him, in the remainder, uttering his own sentiments, (Berthier) respecting his passion and resurrection. (Worthington) (Isaias liii. 4.) (Menochius)

Haydock: Psa 40:2-3 - -- Understandeth. Believing with eagerness, (Haydock) or reflecting seriously on Jesus Christ, (Berthier) who was pleased to be poor for our sakes. (H...
Understandeth. Believing with eagerness, (Haydock) or reflecting seriously on Jesus Christ, (Berthier) who was pleased to be poor for our sakes. (Haydock) ---
And the poor, is not in the ancient Septuagint, (Eusebius) nor Hebrew, &c. But it only expresses the same idea as the word needy, (Berthier) being added to show the extreme misery to which our Saviour was reduced. (Haydock) ---
The Fathers explain the passage in this sense, though some would suppose, that David speaks of his own conduct, (Calmet) or of those who adhered to him in his distress, while most followed Absalom. (Flaminius) ---
Day of death or judgment. Happy the man, who makes the life of Christ his constant meditation, (Berthier) and endeavours to imitate his example, and divine charity! (Haydock) ---
The Church recites this psalm for the sick. Those who assist them may hope for similar treatment. But such as are not scandalized at Christ, on account of his poverty and afflictions, may be pronounced blessed, (Luke vii.23.) as He will deliver them from distress, if they place their confidence in Him. (Worthington) ---
The sick are relieved, when they think on Christ's sufferings. (Menochius) ---
Preserve. Hebrew, "will preserve....and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies." (Protestants) ---
But St. Jerome has, "and he will not," &c. (Haydock) ---
Sixtus V reads, "into the hands of his enemy," after St. Augustine, &c. Others add, "he will purify his soul from, or on the earth." (Calmet) ---
Our Lord will give to such servants more grace in this life, and glory in the next, nor will he suffer them to yield to temptation. (Worthington) ---
He will defend them and heal them, when sick. (Calmet)

Haydock: Psa 40:4 - -- His bed. Literally, "on the bed of his sorrow." His, seems to have been formerly in Hebrew, (Houbigant) though it be now omitted, (Berthier) as i...
His bed. Literally, "on the bed of his sorrow." His, seems to have been formerly in Hebrew, (Houbigant) though it be now omitted, (Berthier) as it was in the time of Symmachus, "the bed of misery," (St. Jerome) of infirmity. ---
Thou hast. Hebrew, "thou wilt make." Protestants, "turn," (marginal note; Haydock) "change, or take away." In the east, the bed was removed entirely, (John v. 8.) and this expression may denote, (Calmet) that the sick man should be cured, and no longer be confined to his bed, (St. Chrysostom) or that God would take him by the hand, to support him, and turn his bed, like a tender mother, to make it more comfortable. (Genebrard) (Calmet) ---
When the just are sick unto death, Christ will give them greater consolation. (Worthington) ---
He will withdraw their affections from all terrestrial things, and remove whatever has been dangerous to them. (St. Gregory, Mor. xxiii. 15.) The ineffable name has been thrice repeated in these verses, to insinuate, that all good is wrought by the blessed Trinity. (Berthier)
Gill: Psa 40:1 - -- I waited patiently for the Lord,.... Or "waiting I waited" i; which denotes continuance, constancy, and patience; and which Christ exercised in the ga...
I waited patiently for the Lord,.... Or "waiting I waited" i; which denotes continuance, constancy, and patience; and which Christ exercised in the garden, when he submitted himself entirely to the will of God; and on the cross, when he continued in sure hope and firm expectation of his help and assistance, though he was for a while forsaken by him; see Isa 50:7;
and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry; both in the garden, by delivering him from fear of death; and on the cross, by upholding, helping, and assisting him, by carrying him through his sufferings and death, and raising him from the dead; see Isa 49:8.

Gill: Psa 40:2 - -- He brought me up also out of an horrible pit,.... Which, with the following phrase,
out of the miry clay, expresses the state and condition Christ ...
He brought me up also out of an horrible pit,.... Which, with the following phrase,
out of the miry clay, expresses the state and condition Christ was in at the time of his bloody sweat, his crucifixion, and his lying in "sheol", the pit or grave, sometimes rendered hell, which these figurative phrases fitly signify; when it is observed, that he was made sin, and had the sins of all his people on him; and, as the type of Joshua, was clothed with their filthy garments; he might be truly said to be in the miry clay; and also that he was made a curse for them, and bore the wrath of God in their room and stead; and was forsaken by his God and Father, and so endured both the punishment of loss and sense, and what was tantamount to the sufferings of the damned in hell; see Psa 69:1; to which may be added the noisy insults of malignant men, and the infernal fiends, who surrounded him on the cross; when he was in an horrible, or "noisy pit", as the words may be rendered k, the allusion being to subterraneous caverns or pits, in which the falls of water make so horrible a noise as is intolerable; or to deep pits, into which anything cast makes a great sound: and the issue of all this was, that he was laid in the pit of the grave, and held under the power and with the cords of death; from all which he was delivered when he was raised from the dead, justified in the Spirit, and glorified in the human nature by his God and Father;
and set my feet upon a rock; on Mount Zion in heaven, whither he was carried up after his resurrection; where he will remain until his second coming, being set down at the right hand of God, in a most stable, firm, and unalterable state, as well as an honourable one; for he will die no more, and death shall no more have dominion over him;
and established my goings; in treading the path of life, which was shown him at his resurrection; in passing through the air, the territory of Satan, at his ascension; and in his entrance into his glory, and making his way to his Father's right hand and throne.

Gill: Psa 40:3 - -- And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise to our God,.... Sung by him in the midst of the great congregation of angels and saints, upon his...
And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise to our God,.... Sung by him in the midst of the great congregation of angels and saints, upon his resurrection, ascension, and session at the right hand of God; see Psa 22:22; when he went to his God and ours, to his Father and ours; and in which song he is joined by all his people above and below, Rev 5:9;
many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord; even all the elect of God, as many as are ordained to eternal life; the many whose sins Christ bore, for whom he became a ransom, whom he justifies and brings to glory: these all "see" him in the horrible pit and miry clay, in his state of humiliation, as bearing their sins, and the punishment due unto them; as wounded, bruised, and crucified; as rising again for their justification; and as on Mount Zion crowned with glory and honour; and a multitude of harpers with him, singing the new song; these see the salvation he has wrought out, the glory, fulness, and suitableness of it, and their interest in it; and they "fear" not with a fear of hell and damnation, which is inconsistent with the trust after mentioned; but with a godly and filial fear, which arises from and is encouraged by the grace and goodness of God, their faith in the sufferings, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus, and which render him a proper object of trust and confidence; for he is so both as suffering, crucified, and slain, and as risen again, and exalted at the Father's right hand, Gal 2:20.

Gill: Psa 40:4 - -- Blessed is the man that maketh the Lord his trust,.... For such are safe and secure in him, are possessed of all blessings of grace through him, have ...
Blessed is the man that maketh the Lord his trust,.... For such are safe and secure in him, are possessed of all blessings of grace through him, have peace in their own souls now, and shall enjoy eternal happiness with him hereafter;
and respecteth not the proud; such as the Pharisees, and all self-righteous persons, who trust in themselves and their own righteousness, submit not to the righteousness of Christ, and despise others; to these such who trust in Christ have no respect; they neither esteem them, nor imitate them;
nor such as turn aside to lies; to idols, the lying vanities of the Gentiles; or to any doctrines injurious to the person, office, blood, righteousness, sacrifice, and grace of Christ; which are no other than lies, and which those who believe in Christ have no respect to, but abhor both them and the abettors of them.

expand allCommentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes: Psa 40:1 Heb “relying, I relied.” The infinitive absolute precedes the finite verbal form to emphasize the verbal idea. The emphasis is reflected i...


NET Notes: Psa 40:3 Heb “may many see and fear and trust in the Lord.” The translation assumes that the initial prefixed verbal form is a jussive (“may ...

Geneva Bible: Psa 40:1 "To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David." I waited ( a ) patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
( a ) Though God deferre...

Geneva Bible: Psa 40:2 He brought me up also out of an ( b ) horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, [and] established my goings.
( b ) He has deli...

Geneva Bible: Psa 40:3 And he hath put ( c ) a new song in my mouth, [even] praise unto our God: many shall see [it], and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
( c ) That is, ...

Geneva Bible: Psa 40:4 Blessed [is] that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth ( d ) not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
( d ) To follow their examp...

expand allCommentary -- Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis -> Psa 40:1-17
TSK Synopsis: Psa 40:1-17 - --1 The benefit of confidence in God.6 Obedience is the best sacrifice.11 The sense of David's evils inflames his prayer.
Maclaren -> Psa 40:4-11
Maclaren: Psa 40:4-11 - --Two Innumerable Series
Many, O Lord my God, are Thy wonderful works which Thou hast done, and Thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be recko...
MHCC -> Psa 40:1-5
MHCC: Psa 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...
Matthew Henry -> Psa 40:1-5
Matthew Henry: Psa 40:1-5 - -- In these verses we have, I. The great distress and trouble that the psalmist had been in. He had been plunged into a horrible pit and into miry clay...
Keil-Delitzsch -> Psa 40:1-4
Keil-Delitzsch: Psa 40:1-4 - --
David, who, though not without some hesitation, we regard as the author, now finds himself in a situation in which, on the one hand, he has just bee...
Constable -> Psa 40:1-17; Psa 40:1-9
Constable: Psa 40:1-17 - --Psalm 40
In this psalm David offered himself as a sacrifice to God because the Lord had delivered him. H...
