This Ps. falls into two well-marked divisions, which many think to have been originally separate Pss. In Psalms 40:1 the writer recalls with thankfulness how God has heard his prayers and delivered him from trouble (Psalms 40:1), declares the greatness of God's mercies (Psalms 40:5), presents himsel... [ Continue Reading ]
PIT.. CLAY] The combination of these figures for trouble is illustrated by the dungeon, with mire at the bottom, into which Jeremiah was cast (Jeremiah 38:6). A ROCK] a place of firmness and security.... [ Continue Reading ]
A NEW SONG] a song of praise for new mercies: see on Psalms 33:3.... [ Continue Reading ]
SACRIFICE AND OFFERING, etc.] a striking recognition that spiritual service, even in OT. times, is more than all forms of worship: see 1 Samuel 15:22. MINE EARS HAST THOU OPENED] to understand the true requirements of the Law. The boring of the ears in token of perpetual servitude (Exodus 21:6; Deut... [ Continue Reading ]
RV 'Lo, I am come,' the Psalmist's personal consecration to God's service: see Isaiah 6:9. IN THE VOLUME OF THE BOOK _it is_ WRITTEN OF ME] rather, 'in the roll of the book it is prescribed to me.' The words are a parenthesis, and the reference is probably to Deuteronomy (see 2 Kings 22:8.), with it... [ Continue Reading ]
IN THE GREAT CONGREGATION] among the people assembled at some festival.... [ Continue Reading ]
HAVE NOT HID, etc.] In a good sense God's law is hidden in his heart (Psalms 40:8, cp. Psalms 119:11), but here he means that he has not concealed his convictions from cowardice.... [ Continue Reading ]