Psalms 40:12

This verse is somewhat loosely attached to Psalms 40:11 by for. The rendering of Psalms 40:11 as a prayer makes the connexion appear closer and more natural than it is.

evils Afflictions (Psalms 34:19), which are trials of faith or chastisements for sin.

have compassed me about The use of the word in 2 Samuel 22:5 suggests that the true meaning is -have overwhelmed me like a flood." Cp. Jonah 2:5.

have taken hold uton me R.V. have overtaken me. Sin pursues the sinner like an avenging Nemesis, till it gets him into its power and punishes him. Cp. Psalms 38:4; Deuteronomy 28:15; Job 8:4 (R.V.); Proverbs 5:22.

so that I am not able to lookup] The only rendering justified by usage is, and I cannot see. In the extremity of terror and faintness sight fails him. Cp. Psalms 38:10; Psalms 69:3, and note that the next line contains parallels to both passages.

than the hairs of my head As in Psalms 69:4. (A different word is used there for they art more:here it is the same as in Psalms 40:5.)

therefore&c. Lit. and my heart hath forsaken me. Courage utterly fails. Cp. Psalms 38:10.