Psalm 40

Psalm 40 is the 40th psalm from the Book of Psalms.[1][2][3][4][5] In the Greek Septuagint version of the bible, and in its Latin translation in the Vulgate, this psalm is Psalm 39 in a slightly different numbering system.

This article uses the Hebrew (Masoretic) Psalms numbering. Psalm 40 in Septuagint/Vulgate numbering would correspond to Psalm 41 in Hebrew numbering.
Psalms scroll.

Interpretation

Matthew Henry calls the psalm a "Confidence for deliverance. (1-5) Christ's work of redemption. (6-10) and a Prayer for mercy and grace. (11-17)"[6] While some see in it the prophetic[7] of Jesus[8][9] or messiah generally.[10]

John Westley saw it as a prayer[11] of salvation.

Structure

The first part of the Psalm (verses 1-11) is one in the series of psalms of thanksgiving of an individual.

Verses 13-18 set originally possibly an independent Psalm context, because it is virtually identical to Psalm 70. This part belongs more in the group of psalms of lament.

Uses

Judaism
  • Verse 2 is found in the repetition of the Amidah during Rosh Hashanah.[12]
  • Verse 12 is the second verse from V'hu Rachum in Pesukei Dezimra,[13] and the long Tachanun recited on Mondays and Thursdays.[14]

New Testament

This phrase "I delight to do your will" is also contrasted with the verse in the same Psalm where "They delight to do me harm". This adds to this imagery portending the plots against and betrayal of Jesus. The following Psalm 41 also is seen by the New Testament to portend the betrayal of Jesus by Judas.

Music

The Psalm was used in U2's song "40", the final track from their 1983 album, War.

A song by The Mountain Goats titled "Psalm 40:2" appears on their 2009 album The Life of the World to Come, inspired by the same verse.

References
  1. Commentaires sur les psaumes, d’Hilaire de Poitiers, (Paris, Éditions du Cerf, 2008), collection sources chrétiennes n°515,
  2. Commentaires of the Psalmes, by saint Johnn Chrysostome
  3. Discourse of the Psalmes, by Saint Augustin, vol.2,(Sagesses chrétiennes)
  4. Commentairy (jusqu’au psaume 54), by saint Thomas Aquinas, (Éditions du Cerf, 1273)
  5. Jean Calvin, Commentaire des psalmes, 1557
  6. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary.
  7. Psalms 40:6-9.
  8. PSALM 40 overview.
  9. Charles Spurgeon,Treasury of David Archived 2015-11-26 at the Wayback Machine.
  10. Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible.
  11. John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes.
  12. The Complete Artscroll Machzor for Rosh Hashanah page 353
  13. The Complete Artscroll Siddur page 62
  14. The Complete Artscroll Siddur page 125
  15. Kirkpatrick, A. F. (1901). The Book of Psalms: with Introduction and Notes. The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges. Book IV and V: Psalms XC-CL. Cambridge: At the University Press. p. 838. Retrieved February 28, 2019.
  • Psalm 40 in Hebrew and English - Mechon-mamre
  • Psalm 40 King James Bible - Wikisource
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