PSALM XL _The benefit of confidence in God_, 1-3. _The blessedness of those who trust in God_, 4, 5. _The termination of the Jewish sacrifices in that of Christ_, 6-8. _The psalmist's resolution to publish God's goodness_, 9, 10: _he prays to be delivered from evils_, 11-13; _against his enemi... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 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 and broken from the craggy sides and roof. _THE MIRY CLAY_] Where the longer I stayed the deeper I sank, and was utterly unable... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 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 and wretchedness. _Praise_ for a sense of God's favour was a _new_ song to him. The word is often used to signify _excellence_: I w... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 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 God's mercy; for he will save all who come to him through the Son of his love.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 40:5. _MANY _- ARE _THY WONDERFUL WORKS_] The psalmist seems here astonished and confounded at the _counsels, loving-kindnesses_, and _marvellous works_ of the Lord, not in _nature_, but in _grace_; for it was the mercy of God towards himself that he had now particularly in view.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 40:6. _SACRIFICE AND OFFERING_] The apostle, Hebrews 10:5, c., quoting this and the two following verses, says, _When he_ (the Messiah) _cometh into the world_-was about to be incarnated, _He_ _saith_-to God the Father, _Sacrifice and offering thou wouldst_ _not_-it was never thy _will_... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 40:7. _IN THE VOLUME OF THE BOOK_] במגלת ספר _bimegillath_ _sepher_, "in the _roll_ of the book." Anciently, books were written on skins, and rolled up. Among the Romans, these were called _volumina_, from _volvo, I roll_; and the Pentateuch in the Jewish synagogues is still written in... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 40:8. _TO DO THY WILL_] God _willed_ not the sacrifices under the law, but he _willed_ that a human victim of infinite merit should be offered for the redemption of mankind. That there might be _such a_ _victim_, a _body_ was prepared for the eternal Logos, and in that body _he came_ to... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 40:9. _I HAVE PREACHED RIGHTEOUSNESS_] I think it best to refer these words to Christ and his apostles. In consequence of his having become a sacrifice for sin, the Jewish sacrificial system being ended, the middle wall of partition was broken down, and the door of faith, the doctrine o... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 40:10. _THY FAITHFULNESS_] This means the exact fulfilment of the promises made by the prophets relative to the incarnation of Christ, and the opening of the door of faith to the _Gentiles_. _LOVING-KINDNESS_] Shows the gift itself of Jesus Christ, the highest proof that God could give... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 40:11. _THY TENDER MERCIES_] רחמיך _rachameycha_, such propensities and feelings as a mother bears to her child; or animals in general to their young. _LET THY LOVING-KINDNESS_] חסדך _chasdecha_, thy overflowing and superabundant mercy. _AND THY TRUTH_] What is revealed in thy word: _... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 40:12. _INNUMERABLE EVILS HAVE COMPASSED ME ABOUT_] This part does not comport with the preceding; and either argues a former experience, or must be considered a part of another Psalm, written at a different time, and on another occasion, and, were we to prefix the two first verses of t... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 40:15. _THAT SAY UNTO ME, AHA, AHA._] האח האח _heach, heach_. See on Psalms 35:21.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 40:16. _LET ALL THOSE THAT SEEK THEE - BE GLAD_] In making prayer and supplication to thee, let them ever find thee, that they may magnify thee for the blessings they receive. _LOVE THY SALVATION_] Who earnestly desire to be saved from sin: saved in thy _own way_, and on thy _own terms... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 40:17. _BUT I_ AM _POOR_] עני _ani_, afflicted, greatly depressed. _AND NEEDY_] אביון _ebyon_, a _beggar_. One utterly destitute, and seeking help. _THE LORD THINKETH UPON ME_] The words are very emphatic; אדני _Adonai_, my prop, my support, _thinketh_, יחשב yachshab, meditateth, _upo... [ Continue Reading ]