Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 40

Deliverance from Despair and Praise for God’s GoodnessIn this section, David shares how he experienced deep trouble and found hope in God. He talks about feeling stuck in a difficult situation, probably an inner struggle or sadness, not just physical illness or enemies. David’s story encourages us to trust God when life feels overwhelming. He shows us that God hears our prayers, brings us out of despair, and fills us with new joy. David also wants others to learn from his experience and trust in God’s goodness and faithfulness.v. 1: David says he waited patiently for God. “I waited patiently for the Lord

v. 2: David describes his trouble as being in a “horrible pit”and “miry clay”. He felt like he was sinking deeper and could not save himself. But God lifted him out of this dark place and put his feet on solid rock. Now he felt secure and stable. This experience is like when God helps us out of deep sadness or fear, giving us hope and a steady path to walk on. Jesus also felt deep agony but trusted God, and God brought him through it (Hebrews 5:7 ).

v. 3: God filled David with joy. He says, “He has put a new song in my mouth—praise to our God”(Psalm 40:3 ). When God helps us in new ways, we should thank Him with new songs of praise. David’s happiness shows that God not only gives peace but also fills us with joy when we trust Him. This also points to Jesus, who was raised from the dead and now lives in joy and glory.v. 3 (continued), v. 4: David hopes that his story will help others trust God. “Many will see and fear, and trust in the Lord

v. 5: David thanks God for all the wonderful things He has done. “Many, O Lord

Insufficiency of the Legal Sacrifices; The Efficacy of Christ's SacrificeIn this section, David reflects on God’s amazing works for His people. He is guided to predict the greatest of God’s works: the redemption of humanity through Jesus Christ. God’s plan for salvation is the most wonderful of all His thoughts toward us. This passage is quoted in the New Testament and applied directly to Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:5-7 ), showing how the Old Testament pointed forward to Him. It highlights the insufficiency of Old Testament sacrifices and the perfect sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice.v. 6: David declares that animal sacrifices were not enough to take away sin. He says, “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire”(Psalm 40:6 ). Even when the law required sacrifices, they could not fully satisfy God’s justice or heal the sinner’s heart. The life of an animal could never equal the value of a human soul (Matthew 12:12 ). These sacrifices were symbolic, pointing to Jesus Christ, who would be the perfect and final sacrifice. Only Christ could bring the grace and salvation that these sacrifices could not (Hebrews 10:1-4 ).v. 6 (continued), v. 7: David speaks of Jesus, who was chosen by God to be the Savior. He says, “My ears You have opened”(Psalm 40:6 ). This refers to Jesus’ willingness to obey God completely. It is like the custom in the law where a servant’s ear was pierced to show they were committed to their master forever (Exodus 21:6 ). Jesus willingly took on the role of a servant, fully committing to the work of saving us. He said, “Lo, I come”(Psalm 40:7 ), showing His readiness to face the challenges of His mission. He freely chose to give Himself for our redemption, fulfilling God’s will perfectly (Hebrews 10:10 ).

v. 8: Jesus delights in doing God’s will. He says, “I delight to do Your will, O my God, and Your law is within my heart”. Jesus did not see His mission as a burden but as a joy. His obedience came from His deep love for God’s law, which guided everything He did. This teaches us that when God’s Word is written in our hearts, we will find joy in obeying Him (John 4:34 ).

v. 9: David speaks about Jesus proclaiming the gospel to the world. “I have proclaimed the good news of righteousness in the great assembly”. Jesus preached to large crowds during His ministry, sharing the truth about God’s righteousness and salvation. The gospel is meant to be shared openly and boldly, even in the face of opposition.

v. 10: Jesus faithfully shared God’s truth. He says, “I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation”. Jesus openly revealed God’s love, mercy, and truth to the world. He did not hold back, even when it was difficult. This reminds us to be courageous in sharing the gospel with others, so they too can know God’s salvation.

Encouragement in PrayerAfter reflecting on the work of redemption and speaking as the Messiah, David now prays from his own perspective. Because Jesus has completed His work and opened the way for us, we can come confidently to God for mercy and help. This section encourages us to pray boldly, trust in God’s mercy, be honest about our sin, and find hope even in struggles.v. 11: David asks God not to hold back His mercy. He prays, “Do not withhold Your tender mercies from me, O Lord

v. 12: David confesses his sin and feels overwhelmed by it. He says, “For innumerable evils have surrounded me; my iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of my head; therefore my heart fails me”. He sees his sins everywhere and cannot escape them. There are so many that he cannot count them. This makes him feel hopeless and weak. Realizing the seriousness of our sin can be frightening, but it also prepares us to appreciate the Savior.

v. 13: David urgently asks God for help. He prays, “Be pleased, O Lord

v. 14: David asks God to defeat his spiritual enemies. He says, “Let them be ashamed and confounded together who seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame who wish me evil”. He prays that those who try to hurt him or keep him from following God will fail. Because Jesus has won the victory, we can also pray confidently for victory over the enemy.

v. 15: David continues, “Let them be desolate because of their shame, who say to me, ‘Aha, aha!’”. He asks that those who mock or rejoice over his troubles will be disappointed. God’s people can trust that their enemies will not have the last word.

v. 16: David encourages all who seek God to rejoice and praise Him. “Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; let such as love Your salvation say continually, ‘The Lord

v. 17: David ends with a humble prayer. He says, “But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord