Psalm 40 explained: Out of the Pit, Still Waiting

Lifted from the pit (vv. 1-3)

The writer, traditionally David, pictures his trouble as a muddy pit he could not climb out of, and God as the one who pulled him onto solid rock. The "new song" is fresh praise for a fresh rescue, sung so others can see it and trust God too.

Trust and countless wonders (vv. 4-5)

He calls happy the person who leans on the LORD rather than on arrogant people or on false gods. God's good deeds and plans for his people are too many to list in order.

A listening heart, not just offerings (vv. 6-8)

Offerings of animals and grain were central to worship, but here what God truly wants is an ear that listens and a heart that already holds his teaching. Christians read these lines, which the New Testament letter to the Hebrews quotes, as Jesus speaking about giving himself.

Telling it openly (vv. 9-10)

He has not kept God's rescue to himself but spoken of God's faithfulness and love before the whole gathered community at worship.

Overwhelmed again (vv. 11-13)

The mood turns sharply as countless troubles and his own wrongs crowd in until he cannot see straight. Scholars are unsure whether the Hebrew word for his wrongs means the wrongdoing itself or the suffering that followed from it.

Plea against mockers (vv. 14-17)

He asks that those who want him dead and jeer "Aha!" be shamed, and that everyone who seeks God be glad. These verses appear almost word for word as Psalm 70, and the psalm ends unresolved, still asking God not to delay.

Key verse: Psalm 40:1

Where Christians differ

Christians differ on whether this psalm is mainly David's own prayer that later pointed to Jesus, or is first and foremost a prophecy spoken in the voice of Jesus, as the letter to the Hebrews applies it.

Something to think about

Have you ever come through something hard, only to find yourself in trouble again soon after, and did remembering the first time make the second easier or harder?