XL. The phenomenon presented in this psalm of a burst of praise (Psalms 40:1), followed by plaintive prayer (Psalms 40:11 onwards), is so peculiar, and so contrary to the usual method of psalm composition, as to lead of itself to the conjecture of a composite poem. The fact that Psalms 40:13 appear... [ Continue Reading ]
I WAITED PATIENTLY. — As the margin shows, this is expressed by the common Hebrew idiom the infinitive absolute with the preterite. We may nearly express it by repetition: _I waited and waited._ INCLINED... — Either intransitive (comp. Judges 16:30), or with ellipse of the word “ear,” which usually... [ Continue Reading ]
HORRIBLE PIT. — The rendering of the margin, “pit of noise,” takes _shaôn_ in its primary sense, as in Isaiah 17:12; Psalms 65:7, and the idea of a noise of rushing water suits this passage. Most commentators, however, take it here in the sense the cognate bears in Psalms 35:8, _“_destruction.” The... [ Continue Reading ]
NEW SONG. — See Psalms 33:3. It seems natural to suppose that this new song is incorporated here; that we have at least the substance of it, if not the words. Possibly the very words are taken up in Psalms 40:4. And we are to find the “newness” in the magnificent vindication of spiritual above forma... [ Continue Reading ]
RESPECTETH NOT. — Better, _turneth not towards proud men and false apostates._ The words are, however, somewhat obscure. The LXX. and Vulg. have “vanities and false madnesses.” The words we have rendered _false apostates_ are by some translated “turners after idols.” Idolatry is doubtless implied, b... [ Continue Reading ]
MANY, O LORD. — Better, “In numbers hast Thou made, Thou Jehovah my God, Wonderful deeds and purposes for us. There is nothing comparable to Thee.... Would I declare, would I speak, They are too many to number.” For the third clause, “There is nothing comparable with Thee,” which is the rendering... [ Continue Reading ]
MINE EARS HAST THOU OPENED. — Literally, _Ears hast thou dug for me,_ which can hardly mean anything but “Thou hast given me the sense of hearing.” The words are an echo of 1 Samuel 15:22. The attentive ear and obedient heart, not formal rites, constitute true worship. Comp. the words so frequent on... [ Continue Reading ]
THEN SAID I. — This rendering, which follows the LXX. and Vulg., and is adopted in the Epistle to the Hebrews, must be abandoned. The Hebrew means, _Lo! I come, bringing the book written for_ _me,_ which no doubt refers to the Law, which in the person of the poet, Israel here produces as warrant for... [ Continue Reading ]
I HAVE PREACHED. — Literally, _I have made countenances glad._ Notice the rapid succession of clauses, like successive wave-beats of praise, better than any elaborate description to represent the feelings of one whose life was a thanksgiving.... [ Continue Reading ]
BE PLEASED. — From this verse onwards, with some trifling variations which will be noticed under that psalm, this passage occurs as Psalms 70, where see Notes.... [ Continue Reading ]