Psalms 40
DOYLYVer. 2. He brought me up &c.] David means, that God delivered him, when he was fallen into such deep distress, that he was quite unable to help himself. Bp. Patrick.
Psalms 40:3
- — shall see it.] Shall see this great deliverance. Dr. Wells.
Psalms 40:4
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Lord, make me to know &c.] Teach me, O Lord, to consider my end, and what is the measure of my days, that I may be sensible how short my life is. Green.
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— respecteth not the proud, &c.] The proud and those who incline to lies are, on one side, the haughty daring atheists, who laugh at all application to any power above; and on the other, those who put their confidence in idol superstitions, which are all lie and deceit. Mudge.
Psalms 40:5
- — mine age is as nothing before thee:] That is, my age is as nothing in thy sight; or when compared with thy duration. Green, Merrick.
Psalms 40:6
- — in vain:] In the pursuit of transitory things. Bp. Wilson.
Psalms 40:7
- — what wait I for?] What can I depend on for happiness? Bp. Wilson. — my hope is in thee.] I will not impatiently desire any thing in this world: but my hope is in Thee, as the only true and lasting good. Dr. Wells.
Psalms 40:8
- — the reproach of the foolish.] That is, a matter of scorn and insult to the sneerer and atheist, who is the fool described by the Psalmist; and who is indeed eminently so above all others. Mudge.
Psalms 40:11
- — thou makest his beauty to consume away &c.] See the note on Job iv. 19. Such as have formed themselves to feel the impressions of resignation are in proportion superior to all difficulties. Their spirits are calm; and, instead of plunging into deeper distresses and even guilt, as the impatient do, they find their way, if any one can be found, out of every perplexity. By excluding eager hopes and high desires of earthly good, this pious principle excludes also jealous envy, keen resentment, tormenting fears, bitter disappointments, and final dislike of every thing. He that gives himself up into the hands of God, with unfeigned approbation of the Divine conduct in whatever may befall him, will act as he ought on all emergencies, with uprightness and alacrity, with