A Joyful Report About David’s Deliverance
October 23, 2019
Commentary
Psalm 40 can be divided into two parts. The first part constitutes a report of deliverance (vv. 1-10). While the second part is a prayer of praise and thanksgiving (vv.11-17). We find the Psalm beginning with David’s joyful report to the congregation about his deliverance and an encouragement to them to trust the Lord.
If this song was written soon after the illness alluded to in the previous Psalms, then it can provide an interesting illustration of the benefits of sickness. Sometimes God may force us to look up by putting us flat on our back. I know personally that when things are going well it is easy to forget God. David said that he patiently waited on the Lord to hear his prayer and pull him from a lonely pit (vv. 1-2). He put his feet on a solid rock and gave him a new song and praise for the Lord God (v. 3). He says the Lord blesses those who trust Him and refuses to worship idols or follow false gods (v. 4). Did David realize how many wonderful things God had provided and done for him (v. 5).
David makes it clear that God is more interested in obedience than He is in sacrifices (v. 6) (I Sam. 15:22). He said he is here to fulfill what is written in the law (vv. 7-8). David gives a strong testimony that illustrates his thankfulness to God for His faithfulness and salvation (vv. 9-10). It says that he “did not refrain his lips,” he “did not hide God’s righteousness,” he “did not conceal God’s loving-kindness and truth.”
Application
It is so easy to think we are good because of what we have done and not rely on what God has done. I need to just sit for a few moments and think on the greatness of God and who He is. Praise Him for how great He is and how much He means to me.
Psalms 40:1– 10 (NET)
1 I relied completely on the Lord, and he turned toward me and heard my cry for help.
2 He lifted me out of the watery pit, out of the slimy mud. He placed my feet on a rock and gave me secure footing.
3 He gave me reason to sing a new song, praising our God. May many see what God has done, so that they might swear allegiance to him and trust in the Lord.
4 How blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord and does not seek help from the proud or from liars.
5 O Lord, my God, you have accomplished many things; you have done amazing things and carried out your purposes for us. No one can thwart you. I want to declare your deeds and talk about them, but they are too numerous to recount.
6 Receiving sacrifices and offerings are not your primary concern. You make that quite clear to me. You do not ask for burnt sacrifices and sin offerings.
7 Then I say, “Look, I come! What is written in the scroll pertains to me.
8 I want to do what pleases you, my God. Your law dominates my thoughts.”
9 I have told the great assembly about your justice. Look, I spare no words. O Lord, you know this is true.
10 I have not failed to tell about your justice; I spoke about your reliability and deliverance. I have not neglected to tell the great assembly about your loyal love and faithfulness.