Psalms 40:9

I have preached righteousness R.V. I have published: better, as R.V. marg., I have proclaimed glad tidings of, εὐηγγελισάμην δικαιοσύνην (LXX). His theme was -righteousness;" all the facts which are the concrete manifestation and evidence of God's righteousness (Psalms 40:10). The good news which he can proclaim is the certainty of the just moral government of the world, and Jehovah's faithfulness to His people. And this he has done in the great congregation, with the utmost publicity (Psalms 22:25; Psalms 35:18), perhaps, as the prophets often delivered their messages, on some festival (Jeremiah 26:2).

I have not refrained R.V. restores Coverdale's I will not refrain: but the words refer rather to what he did in the past than to what he resolves to do in the future. By rendering I did not restrain, the connexion with Psalms 40:11 may be brought out.

thou knowest For the appeal to God's omniscience, cp. Psalms 69:5; Jeremiah 15:15.