Bible Commentaries
Psalms 40

Verses 1-17

Again we find in this psalm the perfect structure found in Psalms 27:1-14. Praise prepares for prayer. The experience has mounted higher than in the preceding song (39). The singer still suffers diction, but a new consciousness of Jehovah, resulting from having "waited patiently" for Him, inspires a lofty song of praise (verses Psa 40:1-10 ). This gives the soul a great freedom to pour out its complaint (verses Psa 40:11-16 ), after which an affirmation of faith and a final prayer (verse Psa 40:17 ) concludes the psalm.

The patient waiting resulted in the singer's feeling that Jehovah was bending over him and listening to his cry. Then comes a new song which is rightly interpreted at its deepest in the words of the hymn-

Glory to Thee for all the pace

I have not tasted yet.

This is expressed in recognition of the activity of Jehovah God and the certainty that His one purpose for His people is that they should delight in His will and proclaim Him to others.

Then follows the prayer. Sorrow and sin have oppressed the heart beyond the power of its endurance. In distress and yet in confidence, appeal is made to Jehovah. The final word of confidence is very full of beauty-

The Lord thinketh upon me.