Psalm 40
Psalm 40 Meaning
Psalm 40 begins with a rescue: David waited patiently, and God lifted him out of a horrible pit and miry clay, setting his feet on a rock and putting a new song in his mouth.
It moves to a striking line, that God desired not sacrifice but an open ear and a willing heart, delighting to do God's will. The psalm ends crying out for help even after the rescue, honest that need continues.
Key verses from Psalm 40
“I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.”
Psalm 40:1
“He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.”
Psalm 40:2
“And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.”
Psalm 40:3
“I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.”
Psalm 40:8
How Psalm 40 points to Jesus
Hebrews puts the words of this psalm on the lips of Jesus: 'a body you have prepared for me, I delight to do your will.' He is the one who came to do the Father's will and lift us out of the pit onto the rock.