PsalmsChapter 40

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For the choirmaster. A psalm of David.

I waited and waited for the LORD, and he bent down to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay; he set my feet on a rock and made my steps secure.

He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and stand in awe, and put their trust in the LORD.

Blessed is the one who makes the LORD his trust, who does not turn to the proud or to those who stray after lies.

Many are the wonders you have done, LORD my God, and the plans you have for us—none can compare with you. Were I to tell of them and speak them out, they would be too many to count.

Sacrifice and offering you did not desire; instead you opened my ears. Burnt offering and sin offering you did not require.

Then I said, "Here I am; in the scroll of the book it is written of me.

I delight to do your will, my God; your law is deep within me."

I have proclaimed righteousness in the great assembly. See, I do not seal my lips—LORD, you know it.

I have not hidden your righteousness in my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation. I have not concealed your steadfast love and your truth from the great assembly.

You, LORD, will not withhold your mercy from me; your steadfast love and your truth will always keep me safe.

For troubles beyond counting have closed in on me; my sins have overtaken me until I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails me.

Be pleased, LORD, to deliver me; LORD, come quickly to help me.

Let all who seek to take my life be shamed and disgraced together; let those who delight in my ruin be turned back in humiliation.

Let those who say to me, "Aha! Aha!" be appalled at their own shame.

But let all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; let those who love your salvation always say, "The LORD is great!"

As for me, I am poor and needy, yet the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; my God, do not delay.

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Summary2

Chapter 40

Main Theme: A psalm of thanksgiving that combines praise for God’s salvation with a plea for new deliverance.

Content: The psalmist testifies to how the Lord heard his cry, lifted him out of the pit of destruction, set his feet on solid ground, and gave him a new song of praise. He proclaims that God does not desire sacrifices, but obedience and a heart that has God’s law within it. The psalmist has proclaimed God’s righteousness and faithfulness in the great assembly. Now he is once again surrounded by troubles and sins, and he earnestly prays that God will hasten to his aid.

Key Words/Images:

The pit of destruction and the mire (v.3): Symbolize life-threatening distress and hopelessness from which God rescues.
A new song (v.4): God’s salvation creates a fresh song of praise that also becomes a testimony to others.
Ears opened (v.7): God desires attentiveness and obedience rather than external sacrifices.
The scroll (vv.8–9): The psalmist is called to do God’s will as written, with the law within his heart.
Poor and afflicted (v.18): The psalmist’s self-description expressing dependence on God.

Historical context

Key Concepts

"Bor sha'on" and "tit hayaven" (v. 3)

The expressions "the pit of destruction" (בּוֹר שָׁאוֹן) and "the miry clay" (טִיט הַיָּוֵן) are powerful images drawn from everyday Israelite life. Water wells and cisterns were often used as temporary prisons (compare Jeremiah in the muddy cistern, Jer 38:6). Gloomy, mud-filled pits symbolized the chaos and hopelessness of the realm of the dead. Being lifted up onto "the rock" (סֶלַע) represents the opposite—stability and security in a landscape where solid ground was essential for life.

"You have dug ears for me" (v. 7)

The Hebrew expression אָזְנַיִם כָּרִיתָ לִּי is unusual and debated. The verb "kara" (to dig/bore) suggests that God has shaped the psalmist's ears to hear and obey. This stands in contrast to the sacrificial terminology in the same verse and points toward a deeper understanding of worship: attentiveness rather than ritual practice. The Septuagint translated this as "a body you have prepared for me," an interpretation later used in Hebrews 10:5.

"The scroll" (v. 8)

מְגִלַּת־סֵפֶר refers to a parchment or papyrus scroll. In temple service and at the royal court, scrolls were authoritative documents. The phrase "it is written about me" may refer to the king's obligations recorded in covenant laws (compare Deut 17:18), or to God's plan for each individual.

Events and Customs

Sacrifice versus obedience (v. 7-9)

The psalm reflects a tension in Israelite religion between external sacrificial acts and inner obedience. The verses mention four types of offerings—slaughter offering (זֶבַח), grain offering (מִנְחָה), burnt offering (עוֹלָה), and sin offering (חֲטָאָה)—but declare that God does not primarily desire these. This is not a rejection of temple service, but a prioritization also found among the prophets (1 Sam 15:22; Hos 6:6; Micah 6:6-8). The psalmist emphasizes that true worship involves having God's law "in one's inner being" and willingly carrying out His will.

Proclamation in the assembly (v. 10-11)

"The great assembly" (קָהָל רָב) was the gathered congregation during festivals and important occasions at the temple. Public testimony of God's salvation was an integral part of the thank offering, where the delivered person shared their experience before the community. The psalmist mentions five aspects he has proclaimed: righteousness, faithfulness, salvation, grace, and truth—all central covenant concepts.

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Key words8

Psalm — A poetic religious song or hymn, often used in worship and prayer.
Lord — Another name for God, referring to his sovereignty and power over all creation.
Waited — To have patience and endurance while waiting for something to happen, often with reference to God's timing and promises.
Cry — To express a strong feeling, such as prayer or lament, directed to God for help, guidance, or comfort.
Salvation — God's act of saving people from sin and death through faith in Jesus Christ and his atoning work.
Praise song — A song or hymn that expresses gratitude, reverence, and praise to God for his goodness and grace.
Deeds — Actions or behavior that reflect one's faith and morality, often resulting from God's grace and guidance in one's life.
Established — To be confirmed, strengthened, or founded, often with reference to one's faith and trust in God.