Psalms 40:1

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 enemies, 14, 15;

and in behalf of those who are destitute, 16, 17.

NOTES ON PSALM XL

The TITLE, "To the chief Musician," we have already seen, and it contains nothing worthy of particular remark. Concerning the occasion and author of this Psalm there has been a strange and numerous diversity of opinions. I shall not trouble the reader with sentiments which I believe to be ill founded; as I am satisfied the Psalm was composed by David; and about the same time and on the same occasion as the two preceding; with this difference, that here he magnifies God for having bestowed the mercy which he sought there. It is, therefore, a thanksgiving for his recovery from the sore disease by which he was afflicted in his body, and for his restoration to the Divine favour. The sixth, seventh, and eighth verses contain a remarkable prophecy of the incarnation and sacrificial offering of Jesus Christ. From the eleventh to the end contains a new subject and appears to have belonged to another Psalm. It is the same as the seventieth Psalm; only it wants the two first verses.

Verse Psalms 40:1. I waited patiently for the Lord] The two preceding Psalms are proofs of the patience and resignation with which David waited for the mercy of God. The reader is requested to consult the notes on them.

And heard my cry.] The two preceding Psalms show how he prayed and waited; this shows how he succeeded.