Psalms 40
BSB1 I waited patiently for the LORD; He inclined to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me up from the pit of despair, out of the miry clay; He set my feet upon a rock, and made my footsteps firm. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. 4 Blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust, who has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood. 5 Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders You have done, and the plans You have for us— none can compare to You— if I proclaim and declare them, they are more than I can count. 6 Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but my ears You have opened. Burnt offerings and sin offerings You did not require. 7 Then I said, “Here I am, I have come— it is written about me in the scroll: 8 I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart." 9 I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; behold, I do not seal my lips, as You, O LORD, do know. 10 I have not covered up Your righteousness in my heart; I have declared Your faithfulness and salvation; I have not concealed Your loving devotion and faithfulness from the great assembly. 11 O LORD, do not withhold Your mercy from me; Your loving devotion and faithfulness will always guard me. 12 For evils without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, so that I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart has failed within me. 13 Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me; hurry, O LORD, to help me. 14 May those who seek my life be ashamed and confounded; may those who wish me harm be repelled and humiliated. 15 May those who say to me, “Aha, aha!” be appalled at their own shame. 16 May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who love Your salvation always say, “The LORD be magnified!" 17 But I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my helper and deliverer; O my God, do not delay.
Study Notes — Psalms 40
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Psalms 40
- Themes from Psalms 40
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Psalms 40
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with the psalmist expressing his trust in God, saying that he waited patiently for the Lord and that God heard his cry and lifted him out of a pit (Psalms 40:1-2). He then encourages others to trust in God, saying that those who do will be blessed (Psalms 40:4). The psalmist also reflects on his own experiences, saying that he has been afflicted and that God has not hidden His face from him (Psalms 40:11-12). He expresses his desire to do God's will and to proclaim the message of salvation to others (Psalms 40:8-10). The chapter concludes with the psalmist saying that he is poor and needy, but that God will come to his aid (Psalms 40:17).
Context for the Chapter
Psalms 40 is part of the book of Psalms, which is a collection of poems and songs that express the emotions and experiences of the people of God. The chapter is likely a reflection of the psalmist's own experiences, and is meant to encourage readers to trust in God and to proclaim the message of salvation to others. The chapter also fits into the larger biblical narrative, which emphasizes the importance of trust, obedience, and redemption.
Heart Application
This chapter encourages readers to trust in God, even in the midst of challenges and difficulties. It also emphasizes the importance of obedience to God and sharing the message of salvation with others. Readers can apply these principles to their own lives by waiting patiently for God, doing His will, and proclaiming the message of salvation to those around them.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about trusting in God, even when things are hard. The psalmist waited patiently for God and was lifted out of a pit (Psalms 40:1-2). He wanted to do God's will and tell others about God's salvation (Psalms 40:8-10). We can learn to trust God like the psalmist did.
Voices from the Church
“The waiting posture is a blessed one, and one that is full of promise. When we wait upon God, we are in the best possible position to receive His blessing.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The psalmist's trust in God is a model for us all. We should strive to have the same kind of faith, which is grounded in the character and promises of God.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to Trust (Psalms 40:1-3) — The psalmist introduces the theme of trust, saying that he waited patiently for the Lord and that God heard his cry.
- The Importance of Obedience (Psalms 40:4-8) — The psalmist emphasizes the importance of obedience to God, saying that he has come to do God's will.
- Proclaiming the Message of Salvation (Psalms 40:9-10) — The psalmist highlights the importance of sharing the message of salvation with others.
- Expression of Trust (Psalms 40:11-12) — The psalmist expresses his trust in God, despite the challenges he faces.
- Conclusion (Psalms 40:13-17) — The psalmist concludes the chapter by expressing his desire for God to redeem him and to come to his aid.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- This chapter teaches that God is sovereign and in control of all things. The psalmist trusts in God's ability to hear and respond to his cry (Psalms 40:1).
- The Importance of Obedience
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God, saying that the psalmist has come to do God's will (Psalms 40:8).
- The Doctrine of Redemption
- The chapter highlights the theme of redemption, with the psalmist expressing his desire for God to redeem him (Psalms 40:16-17).
- The Importance of Evangelism
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of sharing the message of salvation with others (Psalms 40:9-10).
Lessons from Psalms 40
- The Importance of Trust — This chapter teaches us the importance of trusting in God, even when things are hard.
- The Value of Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God, saying that the psalmist has come to do God's will.
- The Power of Evangelism — The chapter highlights the importance of sharing the message of salvation with others.
- The Sovereignty of God — This chapter teaches that God is sovereign and in control of all things.
- The Doctrine of Redemption — The chapter highlights the theme of redemption, with the psalmist expressing his desire for God to redeem him.
Themes from Psalms 40
- Trust — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God, even when things are hard.
- Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God, saying that the psalmist has come to do God's will.
- Redemption — The chapter highlights the theme of redemption, with the psalmist expressing his desire for God to redeem him.
- Evangelism — The chapter highlights the importance of sharing the message of salvation with others.
- Sovereignty — This chapter teaches that God is sovereign and in control of all things.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways that you can wait patiently for God in your own life?
- How can you express your trust in God, despite the challenges you face?
- What are some ways that you can share the message of salvation with others?
- How can you cultivate a spirit of obedience to God in your own life?
- What are some ways that you can trust in God's sovereignty, even when things seem uncertain or out of control?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to Trust (Psalms 40:1-3)
| 40:1 | The psalmist introduces the theme of trust, saying that he waited patiently for the Lord and that God heard his cry. |
| 40:2 | The psalmist says that God lifted him out of a pit and set his feet on a rock, giving him a firm place to stand. |
2. The Importance of Obedience (Psalms 40:4-8)
| 40:4 | The psalmist says that blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and does not turn to the proud or to those who go astray after false gods. |
| 40:5 | The psalmist says that many are the wonders that God has done, and that His thoughts towards us are more than can be numbered. |
3. Proclaiming the Message of Salvation (Psalms 40:9-10)
| 40:9 | The psalmist says that he has proclaimed the message of salvation to the great assembly, and that he has not been afraid to speak of God's righteousness. |
| 40:10 | The psalmist says that he has not hidden God's righteousness in his heart, but has declared His faithfulness to the great assembly. |
4. Expression of Trust (Psalms 40:11-12)
| 40:11 | The psalmist says that he is afflicted and needy, but that God has not hidden His face from him. |
| 40:12 | The psalmist says that his heart is steadfast, and that he will sing and give praise to God. |
5. Conclusion (Psalms 40:13-17)
| 40:13 | The psalmist says that he is poor and needy, but that God will come to his aid. |
| 40:14 | The psalmist says that may all who seek God be glad and rejoice, and that may those who love His salvation say continually, 'The Lord be exalted!' |
| 40:15 | The psalmist says that he is afflicted and needy, but that God will hear his prayer. |
| 40:16 | The psalmist says that may all who seek God be glad and rejoice, and that may those who love His salvation say continually, 'The Lord be exalted!' |
| 40:17 | The psalmist concludes the chapter by saying that he is poor and needy, but that God will come to his aid. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Psalms 40?
The main theme of Psalms 40 is trust in God, even in the midst of challenges and difficulties (Psalms 40:1-3).
What is the significance of the pit in Psalms 40:2?
The pit in Psalms 40:2 is a metaphor for the difficulties and challenges that the psalmist faces, and God's ability to lift him out of it is a symbol of His power and deliverance.
How can I apply the principles of Psalms 40 to my own life?
You can apply the principles of Psalms 40 to your own life by waiting patiently for God, trusting in His sovereignty, and sharing the message of salvation with others (Psalms 40:1-10).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 40:1 → Psalms 27:14 | This verse is similar to Psalms 27:14, which also encourages waiting patiently for God. |
| 2 | Psalms 40:2 → Psalms 18:19 | This verse is similar to Psalms 18:19, which also describes God's deliverance from difficulties. |
| 3 | Psalms 40:4 → Psalms 2:12 | This verse is similar to Psalms 2:12, which also encourages trusting in God. |
| 4 | Psalms 40:5 → Psalms 92:5 | This verse is similar to Psalms 92:5, which also describes the wonders of God's works. |
| 5 | Psalms 40:6 → Hebrews 10:5 | This verse is quoted in Hebrews 10:5, which describes Christ's willingness to do God's will. |
| 6 | Psalms 40:7 → John 4:34 | This verse is similar to John 4:34, which also describes doing God's will. |
| 7 | Psalms 40:8 → Hebrews 10:7 | This verse is quoted in Hebrews 10:7, which describes Christ's willingness to do God's will. |
| 8 | Psalms 40:9 → Psalms 22:22 | This verse is similar to Psalms 22:22, which also describes proclaiming God's message to the great assembly. |
| 9 | Psalms 40:10 → Psalms 71:15 | This verse is similar to Psalms 71:15, which also describes declaring God's righteousness. |
| 10 | Psalms 40:17 → Psalms 70:5 | This verse is similar to Psalms 70:5, which also describes trusting in God's deliverance. |
Sermons on Psalms 40
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Way Through the Wilderness by George Warnock | In this sermon, the preacher discusses Jesus' statement to his disciples that it is better for him to go away. He emphasizes that Jesus' departure was part of God's plan to bring a |
|
Holy Harmony - Part 1 by Elisabeth Elliot | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of a holy harmony in our lives. He reflects on the difference that Jesus Christ has made in his own life and challenges the au |
|
(Becoming a Prophetic Church) 5. Psalm 102 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the unique recognition of God that Jews historically have not experienced in times of suffering. The speaker emphasizes the importance of unde |
|
Walking in the Power of the New Convenant by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher explores the story of Isaac sending his son Jacob on a journey with nothing, despite being a wealthy man. The preacher questions why a rich father woul |
|
Life of Elijah - Part 3 by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker shares stories of individuals who were at the end of their rope and on the verge of quitting. However, in these moments of despair, God showed His kindn |
|
|
Don't Lose Your Song by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not losing one's song, referring to the joy and praise that comes from having a strong faith in God. The speaker reads from |
|
(Steps Towards Spiritual Perfection) - to Do the Work by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of God's will and how it is often misunderstood. He emphasizes that God's will is not just something that will happen in the futur |
|
(The Church in the Last Days) Personal Testimony by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal testimony of a time when he made a mistake and was punished for it. He recalls the fear and trembling he felt when he believed he woul |
|
Seven Words From the Cross - Victory by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a British mother who prayed for her unconverted teenage son while on holiday. Meanwhile, the son finds a pamphlet and starts readi |
|
|
How to Walk the Gospel Out #1 by Milton Green | This sermon emphasizes the importance of praising God and trusting in Him, highlighting the transformation and blessings that come from putting our trust in the Lord. It also addre |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 40
Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 40 emphasizes the importance of trusting in God, even in the midst of challenges and difficulties. Henry notes that the psalmist's trust in God is not based on his own strength or abilities, but on God's character and promises. Henry also highlights the importance of obedience to God, saying that the psalmist has come to do God's will (Psalms 40:8). The commentary concludes by encouraging readers to trust in God's sovereignty and to proclaim the message of salvation to others (Psalms 40:9-10). Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Pattern of Trust
The psalmist expresses his trust in God throughout the chapter, despite the challenges he faces. This pattern of trust is an encouragement to readers to do the same.
Importance of Obedience
The psalmist emphasizes the importance of obedience to God, saying that he has come to do God's will (Psalms 40:8).
Theme of Redemption
The chapter highlights the theme of redemption, with the psalmist expressing his desire for God to redeem him (Psalms 40:16-17).